Beginning October 1, the $85 biometrics fee will no longer be required for ANY Form I-539 filing. Biometrics appointments will no longer be scheduled, unless otherwise deemed as necessary, for applications postmarked October 1 or later.

Those filing for a change of status to H, E, or L statuses have been temporarily exempt from the $85 on applications filed May 17, 2021-September 30, 2023.

You can read the full press release here: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-exempts-biometric-services-fee-for-all-form-i-539-applicants.