I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

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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, USCIS may not be able to associate you with all of your pending ASC appointment notices for your filed I-539 applications.

If you do not bring all ASC appointment notices to your biometrics appointment, you must attend all subsequent ASC biometrics appointments or risk possible denial of your other 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;
  • 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

Form Details

Forms and Document Downloads
Edition Date

03/10/21. E. We will publish a new edition of this form soon. In the meantime, you may continue using the 03/10/21 E and 03/10/21 editions despite the expiration date. 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 webpage.

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. Please note that service centers are not able to process credit card payments.

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

B nonimmigrant extension
B1 or B2 nonimmigrants
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 your Form I-539 has been accepted at a USCIS Lockbox facility, complete Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, and clip it to the first page of your application.

Related Links

Filing Information

Last Reviewed/Updated: