On May 3, 2021, USCIS announced that it will suspend the biometrics requirements for certain I-539 applicants for a two-year period beginning on May 17, 2021. The change in policy comes in response to the unprecedented processing backlog of Form I-539 applications that USCIS is currently experiencing. The biometrics suspension will apply to the H-4, L-2, and E-1, E-2, and E-3 categories of Form I-539 applications if they are 1) pending on May 17, 2021, and have not yet received a biometric services appointment notice, and 2) are new applications received by USCIS from May 17, 2021, through May 23, 2022. USCIS will issue guidance soon regarding the applicability of the biometrics suspension and biometrics fee. 

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