Fill Out Form I-539: Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
Zendocs is not affiliated with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Zendocs is not affiliated with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Form I-539 is the official Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Nonimmigrants who are already in the United States file it to stay longer, or to switch to a different nonimmigrant category, without leaving the country.
Every nonimmigrant is admitted for a set period, shown on their Form I-94. Staying past that date without approval can lead to unlawful presence, visa cancellation and bars on returning to the U.S. Filing Form I-539 on time lets you ask to stay legally, and in many cases you can keep living in the U.S. while USCIS reviews your request.
Extension applicants: People in status such as B-1/B-2 visitors who need more time in the U.S.
Change of status applicants: For example, a B-2 visitor changing to F-1 student status, or a dependent changing categories.
Dependents: Spouses and children of principal visa holders (H-4, L-2, E, and others), including F-2 and J-2 dependents.
Special cases: F-1 and M-1 students asking for reinstatement, V nonimmigrants, and certain CNMI residents.
Co-applicants: Family members on the same application each file a Form I-539A.
Principal workers such as H-1B, L-1 and O-1 holders. Their employers file Form I-129 instead.
Visitors who entered under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA).
People in C, D, K or S status.
J-1 visitors subject to the two-year home residency rule, unless they have a waiver.
Anyone whose status has already expired, except in limited cases of extraordinary circumstances.
Full name, date of birth, passport details and U.S. address.
Current Form I-94 arrival/departure record.
Copies of your passport and visa.
Proof of financial support for the extra stay, such as bank statements or sponsor letters.
A written explanation of why you need to extend or change status and for how long.
Evidence that you have kept your status, such as school enrollment or the principal's approval notice.
Form I-539A for each co-applicant, plus biometrics (fingerprints and photo) if USCIS asks.
A tourist needs more time for medical treatment, family events or other unexpected reasons.
A visitor wants to change to student (F-1) status.
A dependent's stay needs to be extended to match the principal's new approval.
An F-1 or M-1 student has fallen out of status and is asking for reinstatement.
Students and exchange visitors in F, J or I status need more time now that "duration of status" has ended.
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