If you file Form I-539 before October 1, 2023, you may still be required to pay the biometric services fee and attend a biometric services appointment.
- I-539 applicants do not need to pay the fee if their application is postmarked October 1 or later.
- If you mistakenly pay the biometric services fee when you file Form I-539, USCIS will return the fee to you.
- If USCIS determines that biometrics are required, the applicant will receive a notice with information about appearing for their biometric services appointment.
The biometric services fee exemption applies to all applicants filing Form I-539 on or after October 1, 2023, including those requesting an extension of stay in or change of status to H-4, L-2, or E nonimmigrant status.
USCIS is committed to removing the biometric services fee and requirement for all Form I-539 applicants in the future.
What Is The Biometrics Service Fee?
When you apply for USCIS services including citizenship, a
green card, or a green card renewal, a standard part of the process is biometric screening to confirm your identity and that the correct person is applying for the USCIS benefits. At your USCIS, they will capture your fingerprints, photograph, and/or signature.
Biometrics screening is to confirm your identity and may include fingerprints, digital signature and passport photos.
When you provide your digital signature, you will be reaffirming that the information in your application, petition, or request was complete, true, and correct at the time of the filing.
- Applicants over 79 or under 14 most likely won’t have to pay the biometrics fee.
- The current biometrics fee is $85.
