May 14, 2021
USCIS Announces Temporary Suspension of Biometrics for H-4, L-2, and E Nonimmigrants
Dear Stakeholder,
As you may have seen, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it will temporarily suspend the biometrics submission requirement for certain applicants filing Form I-539, Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, requesting an extension of stay in or change of status to H-4, L-2, and E derivative status. USCIS indicated it will adjudicate these Form I-539 applications based on biographic information and related background checks without capturing fingerprints and a photograph.
The Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) remains dedicated to assisting individuals seeking to resolve problems with USCIS whenever possible. Please note that the CIS Ombudsman is unable to overturn an expedite request that USCIS has denied.
More Information
For more information on the temporary suspension of biometrics for H-4, L-2, and E nonimmigrants, please visit www.uscis.gov.
The CIS Ombudsman is committed to working with stakeholders and USCIS to address concerns related to applications to extend or change status. Additional updates on this topic will be shared by the CIS Ombudsman as appropriate. For more information on our office, please visit our website.
Helpful Resources
CIS Ombudsman’s Annual Report to Congress
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