TheU.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announcedit will be permanently eliminating the biometrics service fee, $85.00, whenfiling Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. Previously,USCIS had temporarily suspended biometric services fees for only H-4, L-2, andE applicants.
Effective October 1, 2023, allapplicants who file Form-I-539 to extend or change their nonimmigrantstatus will no longer be required to submit a biometrics service fee as part ofthe application process. If an applicant mistakenly submits the biometricservices fee, USCIS will issue the applicant a refund.
Further,USCIS has stated that most applicants who file Form-I-539 after Oct. 1stwill not be scheduled to attend a biometric services appointment. If USCISdetermines that biometrics are required, the applicant will receive a notice withinformation about appearing for their biometric services appointment. If an applicanthas already been scheduled to appear for a biometrics services appointment, theapplicant should still attend the appointment as scheduled.