US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has extended its I-539 temporary suspension of the biometrics requirement for certain types of Form I-539 filings through September 230, 2023.

The I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status is generally used to request a change of status to many nonimmigrant visas not based upon employment – including “derivative” (spouse and under-21 child) visas where a primary spouse is on a work visa such as an H-1B, L-1, E, or O-1 among others.

While USCIS has for years required payment of an additional $85.00 biometrics fee and completion of biometrics (photo and fingerprinting) for these filings, in May of 2021 the agency announced a temporary suspension of this fee through May 17 of 2023.  They have now extended this suspension.