USCIS Form I-539: Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

Edition date

08/28/24. You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.

Where to file

For a complete list of mailing addresses, visit our Form I-539 Direct Filing Addresses page.

When to file

Nonimmigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals who intend to remain in the United States for a temporary (less than permanent) period. The period varies for different nonimmigrant categories.

We understand that plans can change. If your original reason for coming to the United States changes, you may be eligible to extend your status or you may be required to change your nonimmigrant status to a different one before you lawfully begin to engage in the activities you want to pursue.

You may apply to extend or change your status in the United States if you: Were lawfully admitted into the United States as a nonimmigrant; Have not committed any act that would make you ineligible to receive an immigration benefit; There is no other factor that requires you to depart the United States prior to making a reentry based on a different classification (for example, a USCIS officer may determine that you should obtain a new visa prior to being readmitted into the United States);

Filing fee

You can find the filing fee for Form I-539 by visiting our Fee Schedule page.

Initial evidence

View the checklist of required initial evidence.

USCIS filing tips

Filing Tips for Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status Complete all sections of the form. We will reject the form if these fields are missing: Part 1 – Information About You Family Name Mailing Address Date of Birth Current nonimmigrant status Part 2 – Application Type I am applying for (1., 2., or 3.a.) The status I am requesting (3.b or 3.c) Total number of People Included in This Application.

Filing Tips for Form I-539A, Supplemental Information for Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status Part 1 – Information About the Person filing Form I-539A Family Name

Special instructions

Nonimmigrant TypeAdditional InstructionsCommonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) residents Initial grant of status guidance Use your CNMI P.O. Box as your address.

File at the California Service Center B nonimmigrant extension Form M-752, Helpful Filing Tips for Form I-539 B-1 or B-2 nonimmigrants Special Instructions for B-1/B-2 Visitors Who Want to Enroll in School K-3/4 nonimmigrants File Form I-539 to extend your status while your permanent resident case is pending. You may file Form I-765 with Form I-539.

You may travel outside of the United States and be readmitted as a K-3/4, if you have a valid passport and K-3/4 visa. V nonimmigrants You may file Form I-765 with Form I-539.

You may travel outside of the U.S. and be readmitted as a V nonimmigrant, if you have a valid passport and obtain a V visa from the Department of State.