What is Form I-539?
The Form I-539 Application to Extend Status is a USCIS form that is required as part of J-1 extensions, transfers, and any other change that results in an extension of your program end date. Form I-539 is available on the USCIS website and can be submitted either electronically or on paper, although the fees and processing times for these two methods differ.
This information is for J-1 scholars processed through ISO. Other applicants (e.g. H-4 dependents, F-1 students, etc.) should refer directly to the USCIS website and any guidance from their respective sponsors.
When and How to File Form I-539
If you are extending your J-1 status inside the U.S., you must file Form I-539 before the listed Admit Until Date on your Form I-94 arrival/departure record or before the end date listed on your most recent DS-2019 prior to extension. You can file Form I-539 two ways:
You can submit Form I-539 online: Check Your Eligibility to File Form I-539 Online
- Log in to, or create, a USCIS online account.
- Complete and submit the I-539 application, paying close attention to all prompts and alerts
- Download a copy for your records when prompted
This method has a lower filing fee (currently $420) and results in immediate confirmation of timely filing, which is especially convenient/useful if you are filing at the last minute.
However, it doesn’t allow you to list dependents on your application. So if you have J-2 dependents who are applying to extend their status, you would have to either:
- Submit a separate electronic I-539 application for you and each of your dependents (and pay a fee for each application), or
- Submit your application on paper (see Method 2 below) instead.
You can also submit Form I-539 by mail:
- Download the current version of the I-539 application form under “Forms and Document Downloads”
- If you have J-2 dependents, download and complete a Form I-539A for each dependent
- Fill out the form using a form-filler such as Adobe Acrobat
- Print the form single-sided and sign/date it in ink
- Complete, print, and sign either Form G-1450 Credit Card Authorization or Form G-1650 ACH Payment Authorization for the filing fee (currently $470). See our Visa Fees page for best practices on using Form G-1450; we cannot provide guidance on Form G-1650.
- Make a copy for your records
- Mail to USCIS at the relevant filing address
This method has a higher filing fee (currently $470) and takes longer to get confirmation from USCIS that they have accepted it for processing. However, it does allow you to list dependents on your application using Form I-539A.
After Filing Form I-539
Once you have submitted Form I-539, keep any resulting notices from USCIS for your records. Your receipt notice(s) from USCIS are proof that you filed your I-539 application on time and are still in legal status.
- You can check your I-539 case status online.
- USCIS processing times are variable and can change without notice. Check the current processing time for Form I-539.
- USCIS may issue appointment notices for biometrics and/or interview in connection with your I-539. Make sure that you are checking your mail (and/or your USCIS online account) regularly and opening any mail from USCIS immediately upon receipt. Read the notices carefully and plan on attending the appointments as scheduled if possible; if not, follow the instructions on the notices for rescheduling.
- If at any point you feel you need more assistance with your I-539 application, consider contacting a private immigration attorney. ISO cannot advise on personal applications beyond providing the general guidance on this page.
Once the I-539 Application Is Approved
Once your I-539 application is approved, you’ll need to take additional action:
- Check your I-539 approval notice, and the Form I-94 at the bottom, for the new admit until date. If you notice this date is shorter than what is listed on your extended DS-2019 contact ISO right away.
- Contact ISO to let us know your I-539 was approved.
- Contact your unit’s fiscal or payroll specialist to update your I-9 Verification of Employment Eligibility.
Tips for Completing and Filing Form I-539
- File Form I-539 as early as possible after receiving your extended DS-2019(s).
Filing as soon as possible reduces the risk that USCIS will reject your application and create a gap in status. There is no limit on how early you can file your I-539 application. - Consider filing online if you don’t have any dependents.
Filing online helps ensure that your I-539 is accepted in a timely manner.
Filing online also costs less and gives immediate confirmation of receipt. - Consider filing by paper if you have dependents.
Filing on paper allows you to file one application (and pay only one fee) for you and your family members.
Check your mail regularly, and keep any mail you receive from the government.
Receipt notices (either electronic or paper) are proof that you timely filed your I-539 application timely and are allowed to remain in the U.S. and continue your exchange activity. - Watch out for expiring passports.
If you or your dependents’ passport will expire before the end date on your extended DS-2019, you may get an extension much shorter than what you’re requesting. We recommend discussing with a private immigration attorney if this happens. - Watch this space; we’ll add more tips as we learn more.