Form I-539Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

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); and

Submit your Form I-539 application for an extension or change of status by mail or you can file online before the expiration date as shown on the admission stamp in your travel document on your Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record. (There are certain very limited circumstances under which USCIS will excuse a late submission.)

Please note that some nonimmigrant visa categories are not eligible to extend or change status (C, D, K-1, K-2, S, TWOV, WT, and WB) and some can only change or extend status subject to certain restrictions (J-1 and M-1). For further guidance, please refer to the filing instructions for Form I-539.

If you are eligible to file an I-539 application, you must apply for extension of stay or change of status before your current authorized stay expires. Even if you are approved for another status in the future, you will be required to file a Form I-539 to “bridge” any gap that might arise between the expiration of your current status and validity of your future status. Therefore, we suggest you file at least 45 days before your stay expires or as soon as you determine your need to change or extend status. Failure to file before the expiration date may be excused if you demonstrate when you file the application that:

The delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond your control;

The length of the delay was reasonable;

You have not otherwise violated your status;

You are still a bona fide nonimmigrant; and

You are not in removal proceedings.

Your passport must b

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

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

Filing Tips: Review our Tips for Filing Forms by Mail page for information on how to ensure we will accept your form.

Don’t forget to sign your form. We will reject any unsigned form.

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

View the checklist of required initial evidence.