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I-539: Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

Form I-539 asks to stay longer in the U.S. or switch to another nonimmigrant status, like tourist to student. Visitors, students, and dependents such as H-4 or L-2 spouses file it. You must file before your current stay ends.

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Typical steps of an I-539

  1. Receipt notice
  2. Biometrics
  3. Review by an officer
  4. Request for evidence (if needed)
  5. Decision

Official USCIS form page ↗

How long does it take?

9 to 10 months

USCIS published processing times (median to 93% of cases). Typical ranges, never an exact date.

Intake

Case Was ReceivedCase Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was SentCase Rejected Because I Sent An Incorrect FeeCase Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was EmailedCase Accepted By The USCIS LockboxFees Were WaivedCase Was Rejected Because It Was Improperly Filed

Review

Case Is Being Actively Reviewed By USCISCase Was ReopenedCorrespondence Was Received And USCIS Is Reviewing It

Evidence (RFE/NOID)

Request for Additional Evidence Was SentRequest For Initial Evidence Was SentResponse To USCIS' Request For Evidence Was ReceivedResponse To USCIS' Notice of Intent Was Received

Decision

Case Was ApprovedDocument Was Mailed To MeCase Was DeniedCase Was Approved And My Decision Was EmailedCase Approval Was Certified By USCISCase Was Sent To The Department of State

Closed case

Withdrawal Acknowledgement Notice Was SentTermination Notice SentCase Closed Benefit Received By Other Means

Administrative

Case Was Transferred And A New Office Has JurisdictionNotice Explaining USCIS Actions Was MailedExpedite Request ReceivedName Was UpdatedDuplicate Notice Was MailedNotice Was Returned To USCIS Because The Post Office Could Not Deliver ItDate of Birth Was UpdatedContinuation Notice Was MailedExpedite Request Denied

Frequently asked questions

What is Form I-539?

Form I-539 asks to stay longer in the U.S. or switch to another nonimmigrant status, like tourist to student. Visitors, students, and dependents such as H-4 or L-2 spouses file it. You must file before your current stay ends.

How long does an I-539 take?

The typical range published by USCIS is 9 to 10 months. It is not an exact date.

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AI-assisted explanation based on the official USCIS status, reviewed by CaseAlerta. Not legal advice. Times are typical ranges, never an exact date.