I-539

Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

Extend or change your current nonimmigrant status without leaving the U.S.

When this applies to you

You're currently in the U.S. in a valid nonimmigrant status
Your I-94 is still valid (or you're applying for late extension with cause)
You want to extend your stay or switch to a different visa category
You can document your continued eligibility for the new status

Documents you'll need

You upload these while filling out the form. You can start now and add them as you go.

Copy of your Form I-94, front and back
You can print your electronic I-94 at cbp.gov/i94. If your current status comes from a USCIS approval, also include that Form I-797 notice.
Evidence of how you support yourself
The source, amount and basis of your income: bank statements, proof of income from abroad, a letter and evidence from a relative supporting you…
Explanation and evidence for your late filing
Show that the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond your control, that its length was reasonable, that you have not otherwise violated your status, that you are still a bona fide nonimmigrant and that you are not in removal proceedings.
Proof of your current or past J-1 or J-2 status
For example a copy of your Form DS-2019, or of your passport page with the J visa stamp.
A Form I-539A completed and signed by EACH co-applicant, in the envelopeOptional
We do not prepare Form I-539A. Each family member signs their own; a parent or guardian signs for a child under 14.
Copy of each co-applicant's Form I-94, front and back
Evidence of your relationship to each co-applicant
Spouse: the marriage certificate, proof that any previous marriage of either spouse was legally terminated, and a copy of their visa showing a dependent classification or your name. Child: the birth certificate or adoption decree showing the names of the child and parents, and a copy of their visa showing a dependent classification or your name.
Your written statement explaining your request (B-1 / B-2 visitor)
Typed or handwritten, it explains in detail: 1. the reasons for your request; 2. why your extended stay would be temporary, including the arrangements you have made to depart the United States; 3. any effect the extended stay may have on your foreign employment or residency; 4. how you plan to financially support yourself while in the United States.
Your written statement explaining your request (B-1 / B-2 visitor)
Typed or handwritten, it explains in detail: 1. the reasons for your request; 2. why your extended stay would be temporary, including the arrangements you have made to depart the United States; 3. any effect the extended stay may have on your foreign employment or residency; 4. how you plan to financially support yourself while in the United States.
Copy of your Form I-20 issued by the school
The Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status from the school where you will study.
Copy of your Form I-20 issued by the school
The Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status from the school where you will study.
Copy of your Form I-20 issued by the school
The Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status from the school where you will study.
Proof that you can pay for your studies and support yourself in the United States
For you and any accompanying family members: bank statements, scholarship, affidavit of support…
Proof that you can pay for your studies and support yourself in the United States
For you and any accompanying family members: bank statements, scholarship, affidavit of support…
Proof that you can pay for your studies and support yourself in the United States
For you and any accompanying family members: bank statements, scholarship, affidavit of support…
Evidence supporting your reinstatement
Evidence that your status violation resulted from circumstances beyond your control, or relates to a reduction in your course load that would have been within your DSO's power to authorize, and that failure to reinstate you would result in extreme hardship. If you were out of status for more than five months when filing: evidence of exceptional circumstances, and that you filed as promptly as possible.
Evidence supporting the reason for your M-1 extension
Compelling educational or medical reasons that delayed your course of study (not academic probation or suspension), a transfer to a different school, or practical training. An M-1 student may not change educational objective, and no extension is possible beyond three years from the original program start date.
Copy of your Form DS-2019
The Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status.
Evidence of your relationship to the principal
For example the marriage certificate or birth certificate, and proof of termination of any prior marriage, for each applicant.
Evidence of your relationship to the principal
For example the marriage certificate or birth certificate, and proof of termination of any prior marriage, for each applicant.
Evidence of the principal's status
One of these: a copy of the Form I-129 (or I-129CW) filed for them; the Form I-797 receipt notice for their pending petition; a copy of the front and back of their most recent Form I-94; or the Form I-797 approval notice granting them status for the period you request.
Evidence of the principal's status
One of these: a copy of the Form I-129 (or I-129CW) filed for them; the Form I-797 receipt notice for their pending petition; a copy of the front and back of their most recent Form I-94; or the Form I-797 approval notice granting them status for the period you request.
Evidence of your lawful presence in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)
Evidence of your lawful presence in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI)
Copies of your employer's Form I-94 (or approval notice) and of your employment contract
The I-94 or approval notice must show your employer's A or G status. The application is filed through your mission office.
Copies of your employer's Form I-94 (or approval notice) and of your employment contract
The I-94 or approval notice must show your employer's A or G status. The application is filed through your mission office.
Your employer's ORIGINAL letter and the ORIGINAL Form I-566, in the envelopeOptional
The letter describes your duties, states that the employer intends to personally employ you for the entire contract and states the arrangements you have made to depart the United States. Form I-566 shows your employer's continuing accredited status.
Your employer's ORIGINAL letter and the ORIGINAL Form I-566, in the envelopeOptional
The letter describes your duties, states that the employer intends to personally employ you for the entire contract and states the arrangements you have made to depart the United States. Form I-566 shows your employer's continuing accredited status.
Form I-566 certified by the Department of State
It shows your accredited status (A or G).
Form I-566 certified by the Department of State
It shows your accredited status (A or G).
Letter from your foreign media organization
It verifies your employment, establishes that you represent that organization and describes your remuneration and work (and, for a People's Republic of China passport, the period of the work and the organization's home office abroad). For family members: evidence of the relationship to the principal.
Letter from your foreign media organization
It verifies your employment, establishes that you represent that organization and describes your remuneration and work (and, for a People's Republic of China passport, the period of the work and the organization's home office abroad). For family members: evidence of the relationship to the principal.
Evidence of law enforcement need or of exceptional circumstances
Law enforcement need: for example a new Supplement B (Form I-914 for T, I-918 for U), or evidence from a law enforcement official, prosecutor or judge explaining that your presence is necessary. Exceptional circumstances: for example an affirmative statement, medical, police or court records, news articles, correspondence with a consulate, affidavits from people with direct knowledge. Also include your T or U approval notice. An extension based on filing Form I-485 does not require Form I-539.
Justification for your extension request (statement of need and reasons)
Also include your approval notice, Form I-94 or passport with your T or U visa.
Evidence of your relationship to the T-1 or U-1 principal
For example a birth or marriage certificate, and proof of termination of any prior marriage.
Proof that you are the beneficiary of a Form I-130 that qualifies you for V status
For example the Form I-797 (receipt or approval) for the I-130 filed on or before December 21, 2000. Otherwise USCIS reviews other evidence, such as correspondence with USCIS about the petition.
Proof that you are the beneficiary of a Form I-130 that qualifies you for V status
For example the Form I-797 (receipt or approval) for the I-130 filed on or before December 21, 2000. Otherwise USCIS reviews other evidence, such as correspondence with USCIS about the petition.
If a visa number is immediately available: proof of a pending Form I-485Optional
For example the Form I-797 receipt notice for the I-485.
If a visa number is immediately available: proof of a pending Form I-485Optional
For example the Form I-797 receipt notice for the I-485.
Form I-693 (medical examination), in the doctor's sealed envelopeOptional
Without the vaccination supplement. Only required for an initial request for V status. Do not open it.

How the filing works

9 guided sections in your language. We only ask the questions that apply to you.
Your answers are saved as you go, so you can stop and come back
We fill the official USCIS PDF and you sign it online