Fill Out USCIS Form I-539 Online

What is Form I-539 used for

The form covers two distinct requests. An extension of stay asks USCIS to push out the departure date shown on your Form I-94 while you keep the same status. A change of status asks USCIS to move you from one nonimmigrant category to another, for example from visitor to student.

Not every category can use Form I-539. Some statuses, such as C transit, D crewmember, and K fiance(e) categories, cannot be extended or changed from within the United States, and certain visa waiver entries have their own limits. Review the form instructions to confirm your category qualifies.

Who files Form I-539

The applicant is the nonimmigrant who wants to extend or change status. Common filers include B-1 and B-2 visitors, F-1 and M-1 students in certain situations, and dependent spouses and children in categories such as H-4, L-2, and O-3.

Family members in the same status who are applying together can often be included on one application, with each additional co-applicant completing a Supplemental Information sheet, Form I-539A. Each co-applicant signs their own supplement.

How to fill out Form I-539

Have your passport, visa, and most recent Form I-94 in front of you before you start, since the form asks for exact numbers and dates from those documents.

• Part 1 collects your identity and contact details, your I-94 number, and your current status and its expiration date.
• Part 2 states what you are requesting, an extension or a change, the new date or status you want, and whether co-applicants are included.
• Part 3 asks about your plans, including whether you have filed other immigration petitions and how you will support yourself during the extended stay.
• Part 4 covers background and eligibility questions; answer them carefully and explain any "yes" answers on additional sheets.
• Sign and date the application, and attach Form I-539A for each co-applicant plus copies of everyone's I-94 records.

Filing tips

File before your current authorized stay expires. USCIS recommends applying well ahead of the I-94 expiration date, and a timely filed application generally lets you remain while the request is pending. Filing late requires showing extraordinary circumstances.

Use the current edition shown on the USCIS I-539 page, check the current fee with the USCIS fee calculator, and confirm whether your category can file online through a USCIS account or must mail a paper form. Include evidence of financial support and your reason for the request; weak or missing evidence is a common cause of denials. If your status history is complicated, an immigration attorney or accredited representative can help you avoid a gap in status.