My Experience: i-539 Approval After Biometrics

My Experience: i-539 Approval After Biometrics

If you are an immigrant in the United States and are looking to extend your stay in the country, then it’s likely you’ve come across the i-539 form. This form is used to apply for a change of status or an extension of stay, but the process can be confusing, complicated, and time-consuming. In this article, I will share my experience with getting my i-539 approval after completing my biometrics, as well as some insights and tips for anyone going through a similar process.

Context

In October 2020, my husband and I filed an i-539 form to extend our stay in the United States. We were both on H-4 visas and wanted to extend our stay due to personal circumstances. After filing the form and paying the fee, we received a biometrics appointment notice, which is a requirement for almost all immigration services.

Biometrics Appointment

In December 2020, we went to the USCIS Application Support Center for our biometrics appointment. The appointment was straightforward and completed within an hour. The process included taking fingerprints and a photo for identification purposes. We were then given a receipt that confirmed our biometrics had been taken, and we were told to wait for further updates from USCIS.

Application Status Updates

After our biometrics appointment, we started checking our application status on the USCIS website regularly. We noticed that the status did not update for a few weeks, which worried us. However, we learned that the USCIS processing times for the i-539 form can take anywhere from several weeks to several months due to the number of applications they receive. Therefore, we were patient and continued to check the status updates regularly.

Approval

Finally, in March 2021, our application status changed to “Approved.” We were thrilled to receive our i-539 approval after waiting for almost five months. We were relieved and grateful to have received this extension as it gave us the opportunity to stay in the US for a little longer.

Insights and Tips

From my experience, I can share some insights and tips for anyone going through the i-539 process:

– Be Patient: The process can take a long time due to the number of applications the USCIS receives, so it’s important to be patient and not stress if the status does not update quickly.

– Check Status Regularly: It’s essential to check the status of your application regularly, but also be sure not to obsess over it. Checking too often can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety.

– Prepare Well: Ensure you have all the necessary documentation and information when filing the i-539 form. Also, be sure to have all supporting documents ready in case USCIS requests them.

– Survey Multiple Sources: Lastly, consult multiple sources of information and do your research well. There are many resources out there to help you navigate the process, so make sure to reach out to others who have gone through a similar process or consult reliable online resources.

Conclusion

The i-539 process can be challenging and stressful, but it’s important to remain patient and well-prepared. With the right mindset and proper documentation, you can increase your chances of getting an i-539 approval after biometrics. I hope my experience and insights have provided you with helpful information and tips for your own i-539 process.