Check Your Eligibility to File Form I-539 Online

ALERT: USCIS will implement the Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds final rule on Feb. 24, 2020, except in Illinois, where the rule remains enjoined by a federal court (as of Feb. 5, 2020). If the injunction in Illinois is lifted, USCIS will provide additional public guidance. The final rule will apply only to applications and petitions postmarked (or if applicable, submitted electronically) on or after Feb. 24, 2020. For applications and petitions sent by commercial courier (such as UPS, FedEx, and DHL), the postmark date is the date reflected on the courier receipt. When determining whether an alien is likely to become a public charge at any time in the future, DHS will not consider an alien’s application for, certification or approval to receive, or receipt of certain non-cash public benefits before Feb. 24, 2020. Similarly, when determining whether the public benefits condition applies to applications or petitions for extension of stay or change of status, USCIS will only consider public benefits received on or after Feb. 24, 2020.

What to Know About Sending Us Your Form

The current edition of the Form I-539 and I-539A, dated 02/04/19:

We will accept the 02/04/19 edition of this form if it is postmarked before Feb. 24, 2020
We will not accept the 02/04/19 edition if it is postmarked on or after Feb. 24, 2020, except those submitted by aliens/petitions with a physical address in Illinois [see information for Illinois]
DHS remains enjoined by a federal court from implementing the Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds Final Rule in Illinois. DHS has asked for a stay of this injunction from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, given the Supreme Court Decision to stay the last nationwide injunctions. For additional information, see our webpage on the status of the public charge rule in Illinois.

The updated edition of the form

On or after Feb. 24, 2020, we will accept only the edition date: 10/15/19 of the Form I-539 and I-539A, except those submitted by petitioners/aliens with a physical address in Illinois [see information for Illinois].

Filing online helps you to:

Get your application into our processing queue faster than mail delivery; and
Communicate with us directly, without sending or receiving paper mail.

Conditions to File Form I-539 Online

You may apply online to extend or change your nonimmigrant status if you meet the following conditions.

You are applying:

As a single applicant;
Without co-applicants; and
You will not require legal or accredited representation at any point in your request.

You can apply to extend, (if you already hold the status), or change to the following statuses:

B-1, temporary visitor for business, including those in B-1A, B-1B, B-1C, and B-1D status;
B-2, temporary visitor for pleasure;
CW-2, spouse or child of a CNMI-only transitional worker;
E nonimmigrants;
F-1, academic student with a specific status expiration date;
F-2, spouse or child of an F1 academic student with a specific status expiration date;
H-4, spouse or child of an H temporary worker;
I, representative of foreign media and spouse or child;
J-1, exchange visitor;
J-2, spouse or child of J-1, exchange visitor;
K-3, foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen;
K-4, child of foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen;
L-2, spouse or child of an L, intracompany transferee;
M-1, vocational student;
M-2, spouse or child of an M-1 vocational student;
N-8, parent of special immigrant child;
N-9, child of special immigrants;
O-3, spouse or child of an O, alien of extraordinary ability or achievement;
P-4, spouse or child of a P, artist, athlete, or entertainer;
R-2, spouse or child of an R, religious worker, and;
TD, spouse or child of a TN, Canadian or Mexican professional.

Family Members of Nonimmigrants

If you apply as part of a family, you may choose to:

Apply as co-applicants, using paper Form I-539, and pay a single fee; or
Apply online as individuals, and pay a fee for each application.

In the Near Future

We also plan to offer the ability to file your Form I-539 online if you:

Possess T or U nonimmigrant classifications;
Are seeking to change your status;
Are using a legal or accredited representative; or
Are applying as co-applicants, so family members may apply together and pay a single fee.

To file online, you will:

Use a desktop, laptop, phone, or tablet to complete the application;
Be guided to complete the relevant parts of online Form I-539;
Pay your filing fee online;
Submit your application to USCIS; and
Receive a near-instant notification in your USCIS online account when we receive your application.