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“Case Was Sent To The Department of State”on your I-539 · Extend or change visa status

This status is unusual for an I-539, because most extensions are handled fully by USCIS.
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WHICH STEP ARE YOU ON?
Receipt notice
Biometrics
Review by an officer
Request for evidence (if needed)
Decision · here

What to do, in 4 steps

Wait for a welcome letter or email from the National Visa Center.
Get your NVC case number and invoice ID when they arrive.
Prepare civil documents and the Affidavit of Support if required.
Check the visa bulletin if your category has a waiting line.
10months
9 to 10 monthsTypical time for a complete I-539. USCIS published times. Typical ranges, never an exact date.
In this statusThe transfer to NVC often takes a few weeks; later steps vary by category.

What it means for your I-539

This status is unusual for an I-539, because most extensions are handled fully by USCIS. It can happen when the State Department needs to act, for example for some diplomatic or visa-related cases. Check your notice or ask USCIS what it means for you.

In general, on any form:

USCIS approved the petition and sent it to the Department of State. The National Visa Center (NVC) will handle the next steps for a visa abroad. The person sponsored will process the visa through a U.S. embassy or consulate. USCIS's part of the case is done.

Avoid these mistakes

Checking the USCIS website for updates; the next updates come from NVC.
Thinking the beneficiary already has a visa.

Quick questions

What does "Case Was Sent To The Department of State" mean on an I-539?

This status is unusual for an I-539, because most extensions are handled fully by USCIS. It can happen when the State Department needs to act, for example for some diplomatic or visa-related cases. Check your notice or ask USCIS what it means for you.

What is the National Visa Center?

It is part of the Department of State. It collects fees and documents before a visa interview abroad.

How long until NVC contacts me?

Often a few weeks after USCIS sends the case, but it varies.

Can I still check my case on the USCIS website?

The USCIS status stays here. Track the next steps on the Department of State's CEAC site.

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.

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Other statuses of your I-539

Case Was ApprovedDecisionDocument Was Mailed To MeDecisionCase Was DeniedDecisionCase Was Approved And My Decision Was EmailedDecisionCase Approval Was Certified By USCISDecisionCase Was ReceivedIntakeCase Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was SentIntakeCase Rejected Because I Sent An Incorrect FeeIntakeCase Was Received and A Receipt Notice Was EmailedIntake

Every status of an I-539 →

This same status on other forms

I-485Green card from inside the U.S.Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust StatusI-130Petition for a family memberPetition for Alien RelativeI-751Remove conditions on 2-year green cardPetition to Remove Conditions on ResidenceI-129FK-1 fiancé(e) visa petitionPetition for Alien Fiancé(e)I-140Employment-based green card petitionImmigrant Petition for Alien WorkersI-129Temporary work visa petitionPetition for a Nonimmigrant WorkerI-526EEB-5 regional center investor petitionImmigrant Petition by Regional Center InvestorI-829Remove conditions for EB-5 investorsPetition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident StatusI-907Pay for faster processingRequest for Premium Processing Service

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