I-539, Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
Purpose of Form
This form is used by:
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:
Who can use USCIS ELIS?
Certain applicants can electronically file the Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
Filing Fee
See Special Instructions.
Special Instructions
If filing a paper application at a USCIS Lockbox Facility:
Special Instructions for Certain Nonimmigrants:
This page can be found at: http://www.uscis.gov/i-539
Last Reviewed/Updated: 07/02/2013
- Form I-539 (150 KB PDF)
- Instructions for Form I-539 (110 KB PDF)
- Form M-752, Helpful Filing Tips for Form I-539 (99 KB PDF)
- Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (239 KB PDF)
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 except if you are requesting an extension of T visa or U visa status. Extension of status of T and U visas must be filed directly at the Vermont Service Center.
- 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?
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 |
|
|
| Change status | want to become a B-1, B-2, F-1, F-2, J-1, J-2, M-1 or M-2 |
|
|
| Reinstate status | were a F-1 or M-1 |
|
Filing Fee
See Special Instructions.
Special Instructions
| Filing Type | Filing Fee | Biometric Services Fee |
| V Nonimmigrants | $290 | $85 |
| CNMI initial grant of status | $290 | $85 |
| A1, A2, G1, G2, G3, G4 extensions | $0 | $0 |
| All other filing types | $290 | $0 |
- 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.
- Sign your form.
Special Instructions for Certain Nonimmigrants:
| Nonimmigrant Type | Additional Instructions |
| Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Residents |
|
| B Nonimmigrant Extension | |
| B1 or B2 Nonimmigrants | |
| K-3/4 Nonimmigrants |
|
| V Nonimmigrants |
|
This page can be found at: http://www.uscis.gov/i-539
Last Reviewed/Updated: 07/02/2013