Fill Form I-539 online
Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
Quick answer: Form I-539 is the application certain nonimmigrants in the United States use to extend their stay or change to another nonimmigrant status. F-1 and M-1 students also use it to apply for reinstatement. Family members applying with you each add a Form I-539A. The current version is Edition 08/28/24.
Checked against the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website on 2026-10-25.
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Form I-539 in short
Form I-539 is the application certain nonimmigrants in the United States use to extend their stay or change to another nonimmigrant status. F-1 and M-1 students also use it to apply for reinstatement. Family members applying with you each add a Form I-539A.
| Issued by | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) |
|---|---|
| Current version | Edition 08/28/24 (checked 2026-10-25) |
| Who fills it in | Nonimmigrants in the United States who want to extend their stay or change status, such as B-1/B-2 visitors, dependents like H-4, L-2, E, F-2, or J-2, and students changing to F, M, or J. Also F and M students seeking reinstatement, CNMI residents seeking an initial grant of status, and V nonimmigrants. Many work categories, such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, TN, and E principals, use Form I-129 instead. Visa Waiver entrants and C, D, K-1, and K-2 nonimmigrants generally cannot use it. |
| Who receives it | USCIS. |
| Where to send it | File online through a USCIS online account, or by mail. Online filing is open only if you apply for yourself without co-applicants, for the statuses USCIS lists on its I-539 online page. Families can file one paper I-539 with an I-539A for each co-applicant, or each person can file online separately and pay a separate fee. For paper filing, use the Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-539 page. USCIS changed the filing locations on Oct. 7, 2026, and accepts forms postmarked on or before Nov. 9, 2026, at the prior locations. |
| Deadline | File before your current authorized stay expires, as shown on your Form I-94. USCIS suggests filing at least 45 days, but generally not more than 6 months, before your stay expires. A late filing may be excused only in limited cases, for example extraordinary circumstances beyond your control. V nonimmigrants may file an extension no earlier than 120 days before expiration. |
| Fee | Checked 2026-10-25 on Form G-1055 Fee Schedule (edition 10/16/26): $470 paper filing, $420 online filing. $0 for A, G, or NATO status changes, T and U nonimmigrants, and certain UN Mission Observer B-1/B-2 cases. Some applicants may qualify for a fee waiver with Form I-912. Premium processing (Form I-907) is available for changes to F, M, or J status for an extra fee. Mailed fees are paid by card (Form G-1450) or bank ACH (Form G-1650) unless you qualify for the paper payment exemption (Form G-1651). |
| Official links | Official page · Official PDF · Official instructions |
What changed
USCIS also published a 09/15/26 edition, but because of a Sept. 14, 2026 court order (Presidents' Alliance v. DHS) USCIS continues to accept the 08/28/24 edition and is not accepting the 09/15/26 edition. Filing addresses changed on Oct. 7, 2026.
How to fill out Form I-539, line by line
| Part 1 | Information about you Your full legal name, U.S. mailing address (a safe address is allowed in VAWA, T, or U cases), physical address, A-Number and online account number if any, citizenship, and date of birth. USCIS rejects the form if family name, mailing address, date of birth, or current status is blank. |
| Part 1, Items 11 to 12 | Most recent entry and current status Date of last arrival, Form I-94 number, passport or travel document details, your current nonimmigrant status, and the date it expires. Check the D/S box if you were admitted for duration of status. |
| Part 2 | Application type Choose one: reinstatement to student status, an extension of stay in your current status, or a change of status. For a change, name the new status and the date you want it to start. Say whether you are the only applicant or include family members. |
| Part 3 | Processing information The date you want your stay extended to, and whether this request is based on a status already granted or a petition filed for your spouse, child, or parent. Give the receipt number if one is pending. |
| Part 4 | Additional information about the principal applicant Current passport details, address abroad, and yes or no questions on immigrant petitions, removal proceedings, unauthorized work, criminal history, and security issues. Explain every Yes answer in Part 8. |
| Part 5 | Applicant's contact information, certification, and signature Sign and date by hand and add your phone and email. A parent or legal guardian may sign for a child under 14. A typed or stamped name is not accepted. |
| Parts 6 and 7 | Interpreter and preparer Completed and signed only if someone interpreted the form for you or prepared it for you. |
| Part 8 | Additional information Extra space for explanations. Put your name and A-Number at the top, note the page, part, and item number, and sign and date each sheet. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Filing after the stay on your Form I-94 has expired. USCIS can excuse late filing only in limited circumstances.
- Using Form I-539 for a status that needs Form I-129, such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, or TN. USCIS may reject or deny it and does not refund fees on denial.
- Using the 09/15/26 edition. USCIS is currently accepting only the 08/28/24 edition.
- Leaving out a Form I-539A, signed by each co-applicant, for family members included on the application.
- Forgetting copies of the front and back of Form I-94 for each person included.
- Mixing pages from different editions or leaving the edition date and page numbers off printed pages.
- Not signing the form, or using a typed or stamped name. USCIS rejects unsigned applications.
- Requesting a stay that runs past your passport's validity. USCIS says your passport must be valid for the whole requested period.
Questions about Form I-539
Can I file Form I-539 online?
Yes, if you apply only for yourself with no co-applicants and you request one of the statuses USCIS lists on its I-539 online page. Families who want one fee file on paper.
How much does Form I-539 cost?
The general fee is $470 on paper or $420 online (G-1055, edition 10/16/26). Some categories, such as T and U nonimmigrants, pay $0.
When should I file?
Before your authorized stay ends. USCIS suggests at least 45 days before it expires, and generally not more than 6 months before.
Do my spouse and children need their own form?
Each co-applicant included on your I-539 completes and signs a separate Form I-539A. If you file online, each person files separately.
Which edition should I use?
Use the 08/28/24 edition. USCIS is not accepting the 09/15/26 edition while a court order is in place.
Will I need a biometrics appointment?
USCIS may require one. If it does, it sends a notice with the date, time, and place. Missing it can lead to denial.
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Sources
Checked against the official sources on 2026-10-25. PDF Editor Hub is not affiliated with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.
- https://www.uscis.gov/i-539
- https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-539.pdf
- https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-539instr.pdf
- https://www.uscis.gov/i539online
- https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/forms-available-to-file-online
- https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055
- https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/g-1055.pdf