Which forms go with Form I-539?

Form I-539 at a glance

Of the 17 categories USCIS lists for Form I-539, the shortest posted time is 0.2 to 2.5 months, for All other change of status applications; the longest is 22 to 25.5 months (1.8 to 2.1 years), for Extension of stay for T nonimmigrant.

The last change ImmigraMate recorded to the posted range for I-539 at Extension of stay for F or M students and J exchange visitor category was on September 17, 2026. It now reads 6.5 to 8 months.

I-539 is the Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. I-539: fee, documents and who can file

Forms decided centrally, at the National Benefits Center or Service Center Operations. Here the category of work is what changes the answer, not the office.

USCIS publishes the time by which 80% and 93% of cases were completed. Confirm on USCIS's processing times page.

Questions about I-539 processing times

How long is Form I-539 taking right now?

For Extension of stay for F or M students and J exchange visitor category, USCIS currently posts 6.5 to 8 months on Form I-539. These are the figures USCIS published in October 2026. Of the 17 categories USCIS lists for Form I-539, the shortest posted time is 0.2 to 2.5 months, for All other change of status applications; the longest is 22 to 25.5 months (1.8 to 2.1 years), for Extension of stay for T nonimmigrant.

How much does Form I-539 cost?

The USCIS filing fee for Form I-539 is $470.

I-539: fee, documents and who can file

What if my I-539 is taking longer than the posted time?

Once your case is older than the upper end of the posted range, 8 months for Extension of stay for F or M students and J exchange visitor category, USCIS accepts a case inquiry about it as outside normal processing times. Check your case status first: a recent update may already answer the question.
What each case status means
If a case inquiry does not move it, you can ask your member of Congress to contact USCIS about the case for you.
How a congressional inquiry works