Wednesday, May 5, 2021 USCIS expects to suspend biometrics requirements for H-4, L-2 and E-1, E-2, and E-3 Form I-539 applications beginning May 17, 2021, for at least 24 months. It will retain the discretion to require biometrics on a case-by-case basis. The suspension is intended to eliminate the adjudication backlog that has prevented H-4 and L-2 spouses from receiving Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) in anything close to a timely fashion. The suspension is expected to apply to these categories of Form I-539 applications if: The application is pending as of May 17, 2021, and a biometrics appointment notice has not been received; or The application is received by USCIS between May 17, 2021, and the expiration date of the suspension.