I-539, Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

Purpose of Form :

This form is used by:

Certain nonimmigrants to extend their stay or change to another nonimmigrant status;
CNMI residents applying for an initial grant of status;
F and M nonimmigrants to apply for reinstatement; and,
Persons seeking V nonimmigrant status or an extension of stay as a V nonimmigrant.

Number of Pages :

Form 5; Instructions 10.

Edition Date :

12/18/12 (10/07/11; 01/19/11; 11/23/10; 07/15/10; 12/11/09; 06/12/09 editions also accepted)

Where to File :

Depending on your personal preference and nonimmigrant category, there are two ways to file this form with USCIS:

If eligible, you can file using the USCIS Electronic Immigration System, USCIS ELIS.
You can file a paper application (available for all filing types). Check this link for the address to mail your form: Form I-539 Direct Filing Addresses

Who can use USCIS ELIS?

In this initial release of USCIS ELIS, certain applicants can electronically file the Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.

If you want to	And you	Then	Exceptions
Extend status	are a B-1, B-2, F-1, M-1 or M-2	you can use USCIS ELIS	Individuals in the F-1 classification who received a date-specific visa that requires completion of a given course of study within a specific time can extend status in USCIS ELIS. Other F-1s are admitted for duration of status and should contact their designated school official to extend status.
Change status	want to become a B-1, B-2, F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1 or M-2		An M-1 student may not change status to an F-1 student
Reinstate status	were a F-1 or M-1		The spouse or child of an F-1 or M-1 student may be included in the principal’s benefit request.

Filing Fee :

See Special Instructions.

Special Instructions :

If filing a paper application at a USCIS Lockbox Facility:

Please read our Lockbox Filing Tips.
We will send you an e-Notification when your form is accepted if you complete Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, and attach it to the first page of your application.
To ensure your application is accepted, please:
- Sign your form.
- Pay the correct fee.
- Complete the entire form, especially these required fields: Family Name; Date of Birth; Address, Application Type; "The new status I am requesting is;" Number of People Included in Application.

Special Instructions for Certain Nonimmigrants:

Nonimmigrant Type	Additional Instructions
Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Residents	Initial Grant of Status Guidance Use your CNMI Post Office Box as your address File at the California Service Center
B Nonimmigrant Extension	Form M-752, Helpful Filing Tips for Form I-539
B1 or B2 Nonimmigrants	Special Instructions for B-1/B-2 Visitors Who Want to Enroll in School
K-3/4 Nonimmigrants	File form I-539 to extend your status while your permanent resident case is pending. You may file form I-765 with Form I-539. You may travel outside of the United States and be readmitted as a K-3/4, if you have a valid passport and K-3/4 visa.
V Nonimmigrants	Instructions for Form I-539 Supplement A You may file form I-765 with Form I-539. You may travel outside of the U.S. and be readmitted as a V nonimmigrant, if you have a valid passport and obtain a V visa from the Department of State.

This page can be found at: http://www.uscis.gov/i-539

Last updated: 02/28/2013

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