On May 3, 2021, USCIS announced that it will no longer require certain H-4, L-2, and E visa holders who submit the Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, to complete biometrics after May 17, 2021. Specifically, USCIS will no longer require biometrics for H-4, L-2, E-1, E-2, or E-3 extension or change of status applicants who file their application on or after May 17, 2021, as well as applicants who have a pending Form I-539 extension or change of status application in one of these visa categories, who have not been issued a biometrics appointment notice as of May 17, 2021.

USCIS will retain discretion to require biometrics on a case-by-case basis, and may schedule applicants for a biometrics appointment to verify their identity or for screening purposes. If foreign nationals receive a biometrics appointment after May 17, 2021, attendance at the biometrics appointment is still advisable.

The suspension is a part of recent policies that USCIS has undertaken to address the extreme backlog of extension and change of status applications for H-4 and L-2 spouses.

We are closely monitoring any changes to nonimmigrant and immigrant visa application processing by USCIS.  Please contact the Immigration Attorneys at Ryan Swanson if you have any questions.

Cody Nunn can be reached at [email protected].
Amy Royalty can be reached at [email protected].
Jen Chen can be reached at [email protected].
Marsha Mavunkel can be reached at [email protected].
Lindsay Cason can be reached at [email protected].
Janet Cheetham can be reached at [email protected].
Joel Paget can be reached at [email protected].

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