Travel/Status
Form I-539
Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
Used to extend your stay in the U.S. in your current nonimmigrant status or to change to a different nonimmigrant status.
- Filing fee
- $470
- Biometrics
- No fee
Who can file
- B-1/B-2 visitors seeking extension
- Nonimmigrants seeking to change status (e.g., B to F, B to H)
- Dependents of nonimmigrant workers
- F-1 students extending program dates
Send with it
- Current I-94
- Valid passport
- Evidence of nonimmigrant status
- Evidence supporting the extension or change
- Proof of financial support
Worth knowing
- File before your current status expires
- You are authorized to stay while the application is pending
- Premium processing is available for certain changes of status to F, J, or M
- Changing status from B to H requires careful timing
Common mistakes
- Filing after status has already expired
- Not providing sufficient evidence of financial support
- Failing to maintain valid status while waiting for decision
- Working without authorization while in B status
Questions
- How much does Form I-539 cost?
- The USCIS filing fee for Form I-539 is $470.
- How long does Form I-539 take?
- Typically 3 to 12 months, depending on the office and the category. Check the current USCIS times for your office before you plan around it.
Fees are as published by USCIS. Confirm on USCIS's fee schedule (G-1055) before you pay - a wrong fee gets a filing rejected. General information, not legal advice.