Form I-539 — Extension/Change of Non-immigrant Status (USCIS)
Form I-539: extend or change non-immigrant status (B-1/B-2 visitor, F-1 student, F-2 dependent, M-1 vocational, etc.). Fee, timelines, common errors.
Legal basis
INA § 248 — 8 CFR § 214.1Form 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 Always download the current version directly from USCIS — third-party copies may be outdated.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. $30/additional family member
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
- $370 + $85 biometrics (if applies) = $455 total
- Family: each additional person $30 more
- 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: 2026-05-25.
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
Frequently asked questions
What is Form I-539?
Who uses Form I-539?
When must I file the I-539?
Can I stay in the US while the I-539 is pending?
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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.