Good News: Students eligible for premium processing & International student numbers in the U.S.

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In this video attorney Jacob Sapochnick shares some good news for international students seeking to change their status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status while in the United States.

Separately, we are happy to report that international student enrollment has returned to pre-covid numbers according to statistical information provided in the last year.

Overview

For the first time in many years, international student enrollment has made a comeback since the pandemic began. Visa numbers have continued to increase from 2021 all the way through 2023.

By way of illustration, in the year 2022 alone, there were over 1.3 million active students in F-1, M, and J status in the United States. This represents an increase of over 10% from the previous year.

International students were one of the biggest groups of applicants that were adversely impacted during the pandemic. This was due to the suspension of in-person instruction at colleges and universities nationwide, and the temporary suspension of visa services at Consulate and Embassies worldwide.

We have seen a dramatic change in the past year with record increases in student visa applications and student visa approvals for international study.

Statistics of the International Student Rebound

Here are some of the statistics of the international student rebound this past year:

  • California attracted the most international students in the year 2022
  • In the year 2022, international students came to the United States from over 227 countries
  • 70% of these students came from Asia (China and India)
  • India issued the most student visas in the year 2022

USCIS Announcement – Expansion of Premium Processing Service to 30 Calendar Days

Another positive change that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently implemented is the expansion of premium processing service for applicants seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status from inside the United States by filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status and Form I-907 Request for Premium Processing Service.

When can I request Premium Processing service?

The expansion of premium processing service for certain Form I-539 applicants will occur as follows:

  • Starting Tuesday June 13, 2023, USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests for premium processing, filed via paper form or online, for applicants seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 status, who have a pending Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
  • Starting Monday June 26, 2023, USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests for premium processing, filed either via paper form or online, for applicants seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 status, when filed together with Form I-539.

How long will Premium Processing service take?

Premium processing service will take 30 calendar days for Form I-539 applicants requesting a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status, once all prerequisites, including receipt of biometrics, have been met.

USCIS has said that applicants must submit their biometrics before premium processing service can begin. Even if USCIS accepts an applicant’s Form I-907 and accompanying fees, the time limit for premium processing will not start running until the applicant and all co-applicants included on the Form I-539 submit their biometrics.

What is the Premium Processing Fee?

The Form I-907 premium processing filing fee is $1,750 if you are requesting premium processing of Form I-539 seeking change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status.

These fees are in addition to all other filing fees required by the application or petition you are submitting. For instance, a separate filing fee of $370 plus $85 for biometrics is required to process Form I-539.

Conclusion

The ability to request premium processing service is a gamechanger for international students who want to start their studies soon. Previously, it took 6 to 12 months or longer for these applications to be approved. Now the process will take just 30 calendar days once the applicant has completed their biometrics.

Contact Us Today. Need our help? To schedule a consultation, please text 619-483-4549 or call 619-819-9204

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