USCIS Will No Longer Require Biometric Services Fee for Form I-539 Applicants

Effective October 1, 2023, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”)  will no longer require applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, to pay the $85 biometric services fee as part of the application process. Additionally, in most cases, applicants will not be scheduled to attend a biometric services appointment.  “However, if USCIS determines that biometrics are required, the applicant will receive a notice with information about appearing for their biometric services appointment.”

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Recent Ruling puts DACA in Jeopardy (Again)

On September 13, 2023, the US District Court for the Southern District of Texas ruled that the Biden Administration’s codification of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”) is not legal. The ruling does not prevent DACA beneficiaries enrolled in the program prior to July 16, 2021, to renew their status.  United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) will also continue to accept new applications from first-time, would-be DACA recipients; However, they will not process any new applications.

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