Form I-539 — Extension/Change of Non-immigrant Status (USCIS)
Download the official form
USCIS publishes Form I-539 as a free PDF. Always download the current version directly from USCIS — third-party copies may be outdated.
- Download Form I-539 (PDF) — official USCIS source
- Download Instructions for Form I-539 (PDF) — read before filling out the form
- File Form I-539 online with USCIS (where supported)
Official USCIS Fee (effective 2024-04-01)
Verified source: Federal Register 2024-01427
Filing fee
- Online filing: $420
- Paper filing: $470
Extend B-1/B-2 visitor, F-1 student, H-4 dependent, etc. Co-applicant family members ride the single filing fee — no per-person charge.
Verify current fee
⚠️ USCIS fees can change. Verify the current fee before filing at:
- USCIS Fee Calculator — official tool
- USCIS Form G-1055 — full schedule
Form I-539: Non-immigrant Status Extension/Change
Form I-539 is used when already in US with non-immigrant status (visitor, student, etc.) and want to:
- Extend the duration of that status
- Change to another non-immigrant status (e.g., B-2 visitor to F-1 student)
Who does NOT use I-539
- Work statuses H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc. — use I-129
- Green card change — use I-485 (AOS)
- If already past permitted period — generally don’t qualify (need to leave and re-apply)
Eligible statuses for I-539
- B-1/B-2 business/pleasure visitor
- F-1/F-2 student / student dependent
- M-1/M-2 vocational / dependent
- H-4 H-1B dependent
- L-2 L-1 dependent
- TN/TD NAFTA professional / dependent
- R-2 religious dependent
Fee 2024
- $470 paper filing ($420 online) — biometrics are included in the filing fee
- Family: a spouse and unmarried children under 21 can be co-applicants on the same I-539 (one Form I-539A each) at no extra filing fee
- Verify uscis.gov/i-539
USCIS processing time
- 3-12 months processing
- Must apply BEFORE I-94 expires — no exceptions
Evidence
- Valid passport + current I-94
- Valid reason for extending (still visitor, in course of study, etc.)
- Sufficient funds evidence
- “Non-immigrant intent” proof (don’t want to stay permanently)
- If changing to F-1: school DSO Form I-20 + SEVIS
Common errors
- Applying after I-94 expired
- Insufficient “non-immigrant intent” evidence
- Missing funds evidence
- Confusing visa extension (at consulate) with I-539 (in US)
Current USCIS processing times
USCIS publishes 80%-completion processing times per form, category, and service center. Times are updated monthly — verify the live data before relying on a deadline.
| Category | Office | 80% complete within |
|---|---|---|
| All other change of status applications | National Benefits Center | 1 Week |
| All other extension of stay applications | National Benefits Center | 6.5 Months |
| All other change of status applications | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 8 Months |
| Change of status to H4 dependents | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 8.5 Months |
| Change of status to L dependent | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 10.5 Months |
| Extension of stay for B nonimmigrant | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 6.5 Months |
| Extension of stay for F or M students and J exchange visitor category | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 4 Months |
| Extension of stay for H4 dependents with I-765 | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 3.5 Months |
| Extension of stay for L dependents | Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | 6.5 Months |
Source: USCIS egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/. Data captured 2026-05-26. Verify current data before filing.
Recursos / Resources
Last verified: 2026-07-10.
General information — not legal advice.
Related procedural information
- Consulate of your country in the US — passport renewal, consular ID, document apostille
- ITIN — file federal taxes without SSN — required regardless of immigration status
- USCIS form library — federal immigration forms (I-130, I-485, N-400, etc.)
- Find an immigration attorney — pro bono lists + AILA + BIA-recognized
- Know Your Rights — ICE encounters — constitutional protections