Fill Out Form I-539 in 2025: Your Complete Guide

Form I-539, officially called the Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, is your ticket to staying in the US legally when your plans change. Perhaps you came as a tourist and decided to pursue your education. Or maybe you're an H-4 dependent who needs more time in the country. Whatever your situation, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about completing the form in 2025, from start to finish.

Here's what I'm going to cover: who can actually use this form (spoiler: not everyone), how to fill it out section by section, what documents you'll need, and how much it costs. By the end, you'll feel confident tackling this application—whether you're doing it yourself or using a service like Immiva to guide you through the process.

Quick Takeaways

• File at least 45 days early: USCIS recommends submitting Form I-539 at least 45 days before your current status expires to avoid any gaps.
• Not everyone qualifies: Principal H-1B, L-1, and O-1 workers cannot use this form—they need Form I-129 through their employer instead.
• Fees vary by filing method: Online filing costs $420, while paper applications are $470 as of 2025.
• Premium processing is available: F, M, and J visa applicants can pay $1,750 for 30-day processing through Form I-907.
• One family, one fee: If you're including your spouse and kids on the same application using Form I-539A, you only pay once.
• Processing takes 3-12 months. Average wait times vary widely, depending on your visa category and which service center handles your case.
• Missing signatures = rejection: USCIS will reject your application if you forget to sign—it's one of the most common errors.

What Is Form I-539 and When Do You Need It?

Form I-539 allows individuals already in the US to request permission from USCIS to remain in their current visa category or to switch to a different one. Think of it as your formal request to adjust your timeline or your status without having to leave the country and start from scratch at a consulate abroad.

The form is used by certain nonimmigrants who want to extend their stay or change to another nonimmigrant status, including dependents of work visa holders and students seeking reinstatement. But timing matters a lot. If you let your I-94 expire before filing, you may end up out of status, which can create problems for future applications.

Most people use the I-539 form in the following situations: B-1/B-2 visitors who require additional time for medical treatment or family matters, individuals changing from tourist status to student status, dependents of H-1B or L-1 workers applying for H-4 or L-2 status, and F-1 students requesting reinstatement after falling out of compliance.

Your I-94 record, that's your official arrival/departure document, shows when your current status expires. If you file late, you could risk becoming "out of status," which can affect future immigration benefits. There are exceptions for "extraordinary circumstances," but you don't want to count on those.

For more information about tracking your status and understanding key immigration documents, check out our guide on what the I-94 form is and why it matters.

Who Can Actually Use Form I-539?

Not everyone is allowed to use this form. Let's clear that up right away.

You CAN use Form I-539 if you're:

• A B-1/B-2 visitor wanting to extend their stay
• An F-1 or M-1 student seeking reinstatement or changing status
• A dependent (H-4, L-2, E-2, O-3, etc.) of a primary visa holder
• Someone switching between certain nonimmigrant categories
• A J-1 exchange visitor in specific circumstances

You CANNOT use Form I-539 if you're:

• The primary holder of H-1B, L-1, O-1, or similar work visas (your employer files Form I-129 instead)
• In the US, through the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)
• On certain visa types like C, D, K-1, K-2, or S visas
• A J-1 subject to the two-year home residency requirement (unless you got a waiver first)

Filing your request on the wrong form may result in the rejection or denial of your case, and USCIS will not refund your filing fees. So double-check your visa category before starting.

If you're an H-4 dependent looking to change your status, you may find our detailed article on filing Form I-539 for H-4 visa statusparticularly helpful. It walks through the specific requirements for dependent family members.

Understanding the 2025 Filing Fees

Money talks, so let's talk about what Form I-539 actually costs in 2025.

Standard Filing Fees:

• Online filing: $420
• Paper filing: $470

Starting October 1, 2024, USCIS eliminated the biometric services fee of $85 for most I-539 applicants. That's good news—it makes the whole process a bit cheaper than it used to be.

Premium Processing: If you're in a hurry and qualify, you can request premium processing. Premium processing is available for F, M, and J nonimmigrant applicants who file Form I-539 online and submit Form I-907, with a fee of $1,750. USCIS guarantees they'll process your application within 30 calendar days.

Fee Waivers: Certain categories don't pay any fees at all. If you're applying for A-1, A-2, A-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, G-5, or NATO status, you're exempt from the filing fee. You'll need to document why you qualify for the waiver.

Family Applications: Here's where it gets better: if you're including your spouse and kids on the same application, you only pay one fee. However, each additional family member needs their own Form I-539A supplement, but the filing fee covers everyone together.

Make sure you're using the right payment method. USCIS accepts credit cards (using Form G-1450), ACH transfers (using Form G-1650), money orders, or checks. Nonetheless, they're phasing out paper checks by late October 2025, so plan accordingly.

If you need help understanding other USCIS fees and payment options, our guide on how to pay USCIS filing fees covers all the approved methods.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form I-539 in 2025

Alright, let's get into the actual form. The current version (edition 08/28/24) has eight parts.Here's what each section asks for and how to handle it.

Pro tip: If you're worried about making mistakes or want to save time, Immiva's guided platform walks you through each question with real-time error checking. It catches common mistakes as you go and automatically generates your completed forms—no guesswork involved.

Part 1: Information About You

This is basic stuff—your personal details. Type in your full legal name exactly as it appears on your birth certificate or passport.

• Full Name: Use your legal name. If you have multiple middle names, include all of them.
• A-Number: Most people don't have this. It's usually assigned when someone files for a green card or gets put in removal proceedings. Need help understanding what an A-Number is? Check our complete guide to understanding your A-Number.
• USCIS Online Account Number: Only fill this in if you already created an online account with USCIS.
• Address: Your current US address where USCIS can mail you. This is important—missed mail from USCIS can kill your application.
• Contact Information: Phone Number and Email Address. USCIS might need to reach you quickly.

If you have ever been issued a Social Security Number, enter it here.

Part 2: Application Type

Here's where you tell USCIS what you're asking for.

Question 1: Are you applying for an extension or a change of status? Check one box.

Question 2: If you're changing status, specify exactly what new classification you want (like F-1, H-4, etc.). This matters a lot—being vague here causes problems.

Question 3: Including family? List the total number of people in your application. Remember, each additional person needs Form I-539A.

Part 3: Processing Information

This section digs into your immigration history and current situation.

• I-94 Number: You need this. Get it from cbp.gov/I94. The date of your last arrival will be listed on the I-94.
• Passport Details: Number, country, expiration date.
• Current Status: What visa category are you in right now?
• Requested Extension Date: When do you want your new status to end? Be realistic.

Yes/No Questions: These ask about your immigration history. Have you ever filed for an immigrant visa? Have you filed for adjustment of status? Been arrested? USCIS can deny your I-539 extension application if your answers suggest you don't really intend to stay in the United States only temporarily. Answer honestly—lying will come back to bite you.

Part 4: Additional Information About You

If your current passport info differs from what you entered earlier, note it here. This section also has more detailed questions about your background, including things like criminal history and immigration violations.

Answer "Yes" if an immigrant petition has ever been filed for any of the applicants listed in the I-539 or I-539A. This includes past filings, even if they were denied or withdrawn.

Part 5: Applicant's Statement, Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature

This is critical. You're declaring under penalty of perjury that everything in your application is true.

Read everything carefully before signing. You can have someone help you prepare the form, but you still need to understand what you're signing. If you're using a preparer or attorney, they fill out Part 7.

Don't forget to date it. Undated forms can be rejected.

Part 6: Interpreter's Contact Information and Signature

Skip this unless you used an interpreter to help you understand the form.

Part 7: Contact Information, Declaration, and Signature of the Person Preparing This Application (if applicable)

Your lawyer or immigration consultant fills this out if you hired someone to prepare your application. If you're using Immiva's platform, you're the preparer, as you answer the questions yourself—the system guides you and generates the forms.

Part 8: Additional Information

Use this section if you have run out of space elsewhere in the form. List the part and item number, then provide your additional information.

Feeling overwhelmed?Sign up for a free Immiva account and see how our guided questionnaire makes this process way easier. The system asks you simple questions in plain English and handles all the form complexity behind the scenes.

Essential Documents You Need to Include

The form itself is only part of the package. You also need supporting documents that prove your case.

Core Documents (Everyone Needs These):

1. Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. Get this from cbp.gov/I94. You must submit a copy of Form I-94 for everyone listed in your application. Print it out and include it.

2. Passport Copy. Include the biographical page, which should display your photo and passport details, as well as the page with your visa stamp and entry stamp.

3. Current Visa Documentation. Copy of your current visa and any approval notices (like Form I-797) that show your current status.

4. Cover Letter. Not technically required, but smart to include. Write a clear explanation of why you're applying, what status you're requesting, and how long you need. Keep it brief but specific.

5. Financial Evidence. Bank statements, pay stubs, or proof that someone else is supporting you. USCIS wants to know you won't need public assistance.

Category-Specific Documents:

For B-1/B-2 Visitors:

• Written statement explaining why you need more time
• Proof that your stay is temporary (return ticket, property ownership in home country, employment letter)
• Medical records if extending for health reasons

For F-1 Students:

• Form I-20 from your school
• Proof you can pay tuition and living expenses
• Transcripts and enrollment verification

For Dependent Visa Holders (H-4, L-2, etc.):

• Evidence of your relationship to the principal visa holder, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate
• Copy of the principal's approval notice (Form I-797)
• Copy of the principal's Form I-94

For Form I-539A (Family Members): Each co-applicant needs their own supplement: no additional fee, but complete documentation for each person.

Make clean photocopies (no originals unless requested), ensure all documents are in English (with certified translations if needed), and keep your packet organized.

Documents You Should NOT Include:

Don't send original documents unless USCIS specifically requests them. They rarely return originals. Also, avoid including any materials unrelated to your application—extra paperwork can only slow things down.

Online Filing vs. Paper Filing: Which Should You Choose?

You've got two options for submitting Form I-539: online through your USCIS account or by mail. Each has pros and cons.

Online Filing Benefits:

• $50 cheaper: You'll pay $420 instead of $470
• Instant confirmation: You get a receipt number immediately
• Real-time tracking: Check your case status anytime through your account
• Faster processing: Generally moves quicker through the system
• Error checking: The system flags missing information before you submit

When you file Form I-539 online, you get immediate confirmation, real-time tracking, and fewer chances of basic errors.

Online Filing Limitations:

You can't file online if:

• You're including multiple family members (need Form I-539A)
• You're using legal representation in most cases
• You have a large packet of physical evidence

Paper Filing: When to Use It

Paper filing still works better in man scenarios, especially if you're including multiple dependents, need to submit a large packet of physical evidence or want to file I-539 together with EAD application (I-765).

Where to Mail Your Paper Application:

This changes based on your situation. USCIS has different addresses for different visa categories and whether you're using regular mail or a courier. Recent changes in September 2025 affected the filing location for Form I-539 for residents of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Always check the USCIS I-539 page for current mailing addresses before sending your application. Using the wrong address means rejection and more delays.

The Immiva Advantage

Here's the thing: whether you file online with USCIS or by mail, you still need to prepare the form correctly. That's where Immiva comes in. Our platform guides you through answering questions in plain English, then automatically generates your completed, print-ready forms. You get all the benefits of accurate preparation without the stress of decoding government forms. Plus, our real-time error checking catches mistakes before they become problems.

How Long Does I-539 Processing Take in 2025?

Let's be real: the waiting is the hardest part.

As of 2025, the standard Form I-539 processing time ranges from 3 months to 12 months. That's a huge range, and your actual timeline depends on several factors:

What Affects Processing Time:

1. Your Visa Category: Some statuses move faster than others. B-2 extensions typically process quicker than H-4 changes of status.
2. Service Center Workload: USCIS has multiple service centers. Some are way more backed up than others.
3. Completeness of Application: Missing forms, incorrect fees, or lacking evidence can result in Requests for Evidence (RFEs), which extend the process.
4. Whether Biometrics Are Required: Some applicants still need to attend a biometrics appointment, which adds time.
5. Time of Year: Filing during peak seasons (like right before school starts) means longer waits.

Checking Your Processing Time:

USCIS has a processing times tool where you can enter your service center and form type to see current estimates. Check it regularly—times change.

Premium Processing:

For F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 status changes, applicants can request premium processing by filing Form I-907, which guarantees processing within 30 business days. The fee is $1,750, but if you need a quick answer, it might be worth it.

What About the 240-Day Rule?

If you file before your current status expires, you can generally stay in the US for up to 240 days while USCIS decides your case. But this doesn't mean you have approval—you're just authorized to stay. If they deny your application, you need to leave right away.

Want to understand what's causing delays in 2025? Read our analysis of the USCIS backlog in 2025 to see what's affecting processing times.