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  4. Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

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Alert: As of April 1, 2022, we will no longer accept a single, combined fee payment when filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status; Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization; or Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition, together with a Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker.

As of April 1, 2022, we will no longer accept a single, combined fee payment when filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status; Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization; or Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition, together with a Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker.

Separate payments are required for each of these forms.  If the payments for these forms are combined, we will reject the entire package.

We are transitioning to electronically processing immigration benefit requests. As we complete this transition, we will be using multiple systems to receive and process various types of immigration benefit requests. Because the Form I-129 and related applications are not all processed in the same system, we require a separate payment instrument for each of these forms. 

We acknowledge that using multiple checks or payments for the Form I-129 and related applications is more burdensome than using one payment. We are always analyzing our forms, practices, and policies to streamline filing and reduce, minimize, and control burdens to submit requests.  However, we believe that the advantages of electronic processing to both the agency and to the public outweigh the minor inconvenience of submitting individual fee payments.

ALERT: USCIS published a policy manual update that affects language relating to F-1 students on Page 4 of the Form I-539 instructions. Effective July 20, 2021, this update replaces the policy as stated in the form instructions. USCIS is in the process of revising form instructions to reflect the changes made by this policy update. Any revisions to the form instructions will be made in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act.

Please bring your application support center (ASC) appointment notice (Form I-797C) to your scheduled biometrics appointment.

Please bring your application support center (ASC) appointment notice (Form I-797C) to your scheduled biometrics appointment.

If you filed multiple I-539 applications and received multiple ASC appointment notices, please bring all notices to your first scheduled appointment at the specified ASC.

If you do not bring all of your ASC appointment notices to your first biometrics appointment, we may not be able to associate you with all of your pending ASC appointment notices for your filed I-539 applications and you must attend all subsequent ASC biometrics appointments or risk possible denial of your other Form I-539 applications due to abandonment. See 8 CFR 103.2 (b)(13)(ii).

 The following groups use this form:

  • Certain nonimmigrants extending their stay or changing to another nonimmigrant status;
  • Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) residents applying for an initial grant of status;
  • F and M nonimmigrants applying for reinstatement; and,
  • Persons seeking V nonimmigrant status or an extension of stay as a V nonimmigrant.

What This Form Can Help You Do

Change My Nonimmigrant Status
Extend My Nonimmigrant Stay
Extend My Stay as a Family Member of an Employment-Based Nonimmigrant

Form Details

Forms and Document Downloads
Form I-539 (PDF, 493.23 KB)
Instructions for Form I-539 (PDF, 894.19 KB)
Form I-539A (PDF, 383.38 KB)
Instructions for Form I-539A (PDF, 238.31 KB)
Form M-752, Helpful Filing Tips for Form I-539 (PDF, 99.23 KB)
Edition Date

05/31/22. We will also accept the 12/08/21 edition. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.

Dates are listed in mm/dd/yy format.

Where to File

For a complete list of mailing addresses, visit our Form I-539 Direct Filing Addresses page.

If filing at a lockbox, please read our filing tips.

Filing Tips for Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

Complete all sections of the form. We will reject the form if these fields are missing:

  • Part 1 – Information About You
    • Family Name
    • Mailing Address
    • Date of Birth
    • Current nonimmigrant status
  • Part 2 – Application Type
    • I am applying for (1., 2., or 3.a.)
    • The status I am requesting (3.b or 3.c)
    • Total number of People Included in This Application.

Filing Tips for Form I-539A, Supplemental Information for Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

  • Part 1 – Information About the Person filing Form I-539A
    • Family Name

Don’t forget to sign your form. We will reject any unsigned form.

Filing Fee
$370.

You and each co-applicant must also pay an $85 biometric services fee.  

Exceptions:

  • Individuals changing into or out of A-1, A-2, A-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, G-5, NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6 status are not required to submit either the filing fee or the biometric services fee. 
  • Individuals changing into or extending H-4, L-2, E-1, E-2, E-2C, E-3, or E-3D nonimmigrant status are not required to submit the biometric services fee, effective May 17, 2021 – May 17, 2023.

Use our Fee Calculator to help determine your fee.

You may pay the fee with a money order, personal check, or cashier’s check.  When filing at a USCIS lockbox facility, you may also pay by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

When you send a payment, you agree to pay for a government service. Filing and biometric service fees are final and non-refundable, regardless of any action we take on your application, petition, or request, or if you withdraw your request.

Checklist of Required Initial Evidence (for informational purposes only)

View the checklist of required initial evidence.

Special Instructions
Nonimmigrant TypeAdditional Instructions

Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) residents

  • Initial grant of status guidance
  • Use your CNMI P.O. Box as your address
  • File at the California Service Center
B nonimmigrant extension
  • Form M-752, Helpful Filing Tips for Form I-539 (PDF, 99.23 KB)
B-1 or B-2 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
  • 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.

E-Notification: If you want to receive an email and/or text message that we have accepted your Form I-539 at a USCIS lockbox, complete Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, and clip it to the first page of your application.

Related Links
  • USCIS to Publish Revised Form I-539 and New Form I-539A on March 8
  • How Do I Extend My Nonimmigrant Stay in the U.S.? (PDF, 121.18 KB)
  • How Do I Change to Another Nonimmigrant Status? (PDF, 482.69 KB)

Filing Information

  • Filing Addresses for Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
  • Lockbox Filing Tips
  • Grants of Status
  • Changing to a Nonimmigrant F or M Student Status
Last Reviewed/Updated:
06/09/2022
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