CASEALERTAUSCIS&COURTCASEALERTS
Still in process

“Case Was Reopened”on your I-539 · Extend or change visa status

USCIS reopened your I-539, often after a motion to reopen or reconsider.
Check your case for free
No accountNo adsOfficial source: USCIS
WHICH STEP ARE YOU ON?
Receipt notice
Biometrics
Review by an officer · here
Request for evidence (if needed)
Decision

What to do, in 3 steps

Read the reopening notice carefully.
Respond to any request it includes before the deadline.
Keep checking your status for the next step.
10months
9 to 10 monthsTypical time for a complete I-539. USCIS published times. Typical ranges, never an exact date.
In this statusThe new decision can take weeks to months; it varies.

What it means for your I-539

USCIS reopened your I-539, often after a motion to reopen or reconsider. The extension or change request is pending again. Keep proof of the reopening with your I-94, since it shows your case is active.

In general, on any form:

USCIS reopened your case after it had been closed or decided. This can happen after a motion, on USCIS's own initiative, or to fix an error. The case is active again and will get a new decision. Read any notice that explains why.

Avoid these mistakes

Assuming the earlier decision still stands.
Missing a request that came with the reopening notice.

Quick questions

What does "Case Was Reopened" mean on an I-539?

USCIS reopened your I-539, often after a motion to reopen or reconsider. The extension or change request is pending again. Keep proof of the reopening with your I-94, since it shows your case is active.

Why was my case reopened?

Common reasons are a motion you filed, a USCIS error, or new information. The notice should explain.

Is a reopened case good news?

It gives the case another review. The outcome is not decided yet.

Do I need to send anything?

Only if the notice asks for something.

How long does an I-539 take?

The typical range published by USCIS is 9 to 10 months. It depends on the office and your case; it is not an exact date.

Other statuses of your I-539

Every status of an I-539 →

This same status on other forms

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