Are you tired of waiting forever for an answer after submitting your change of status to F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1, and M-2? Or you may be dreading the process and haven’t filed yet. We’ve got great news to share with you that can reduce your wait time by up to 11 months.
On June 12, 2023, USCIS announced that it would expand their “premium processing” service to individuals seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1, and M-2.
Who is impacted by this new policy expansion?
The new policy applies to those who have already filed or will file a petition to change their status to F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1, and M-2. However, the new policy does not apply to a petition seeking an extension of such status. For example, if you are currently in B-2 status, and would like to change your status to F-1 or J-1, the expanded policy applies. If your current F-1 status will expire soon, and you would like to file for an extension of your F-1 status, the new policy does not apply to you.
Why is this GREAT news?
As many know, it can take at least 6 months or even 1 year to receive results for these types of applications. Per the new USCIS policy, by requesting premium processing and paying the additional fees similar to premium processing for an H-1B or Employment Green Card application, it can take only 30 days to receive a response from USCIS, typically being either an approval or a request for additional required evidence.
What do I need to do?
If you’ve already filed your petition to change status to F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1, and M-2, it’s not too late. You can file your request for premium processing via after you’ve applied. If you still need to file, you can include your petition to change status with your request for premium processing.
Another Important Reminder: You must submit your request for premium processing the same way you submit your petition to change status to F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1, and M-2, whether that is online or by mail.
Specifically, if you mail a hard copy of your petition to change status, you must mail a paper request for premium processing; if you submit your petition to change status online, you must submit the premium processing request online.
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About Danny Grace PLLC
Founded in 2012, Danny Grace PLLC is a boutique employment litigation and immigration practice located in downtown Manhattan, New York, but offering services nationwide to its clients. We have built an extensive immigration practice specializing in visas, permanent residence (green cards), and corporate immigration. Our principal, Mr. Daniel Grace, is a top-rated immigration attorney in the state of New York.
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