Get the free USCIS Form I-539

Get Form

We are not affiliated with any brand or entity on this form

Fill out

Complete the form online in a simple drag-and-drop editor.

eSign

Add your legally binding signature or send the form for signing.

Share

Share the form via a link, letting anyone fill it out from any device.

Export

Download, print, email, or move the form to your cloud storage.

Why pdfFiller is the best tool for your documents and forms

Learn more about security

End-to-end document management

From editing and signing to collaboration and tracking, pdfFiller has everything you need to get your documents done quickly and efficiently.

Accessible from anywhere

pdfFiller is fully cloud-based. This means you can edit, sign, and share documents from anywhere using your computer, smartphone, or tablet.

Secure and compliant

pdfFiller lets you securely manage documents following global laws like ESIGN, CCPA, and GDPR. It's also HIPAA and SOC 2 compliant.

What is Form I-539

The USCIS Form I-539 is a government document used by nonimmigrants in the United States to extend or change their nonimmigrant status.

pdfFiller scores top ratings on review platforms

Show more Show less

Fill fillable I-539 form: Try Risk Free

Rate free I-539 form

4.5

satisfied

44 votes

Who needs Form I-539?

Explore how professionals across industries use pdfFiller.

Form I-539 is needed by:

Nonimmigrant visa holders seeking to extend their stay
Individuals wishing to change from one nonimmigrant status to another
Applicants requiring assistance from interpreters
Preparers helping applicants with their forms
Legal representatives assisting in immigration processes

Comprehensive Guide to Form I-539

What is the USCIS Form I-539?

The USCIS Form I-539 serves a vital role in the U.S. immigration process, specifically designed for nonimmigrants seeking to extend or change their current nonimmigrant status. This form is essential for individuals wishing to apply for an extension of their stay or alter their visa classification, making it a fundamental tool in navigating U.S. immigration laws.

Understanding nonimmigrant status extension and change of nonimmigrant status is crucial for maintaining legal residency during a stay in the United States. Nonimmigrant visa holders must utilize this form to request changes that reflect their current situations or future plans.

Purpose and Benefits of the USCIS Form I-539

The primary purpose of the USCIS Form I-539 is to facilitate the extension or change of visa status for eligible nonimmigrants. Individuals need to file this form when they wish to extend their stay beyond the expiration of their current visa or to apply for a different type of visa altogether.

Using the Form I-539 provides several significant benefits, including:

Enabling legal extension of stay in the U.S.
Avoiding unlawful status by filing on time.
Facilitating a smooth transition to a different nonimmigrant status.

Who Needs the USCIS Form I-539?

Eligibility for filing the USCIS Form I-539 primarily involves nonimmigrants who require an extension of their stay or who wish to change their visa status. The form is generally applicable to various visa holders, including students, tourists, and workers.

It’s essential to understand the roles of individuals involved in the application process:

Applicant: The individual seeking to adjust their status.
Interpreter: Assists the applicant in understanding the form if needed.
Preparer: A third party who aids in filling out the form and must ensure accuracy.

How to Fill Out the USCIS Form I-539 Online

Filling out the USCIS Form I-539 online has been simplified for user convenience. Follow these steps to complete the form using pdfFiller:

Access the form on the pdfFiller platform.
Gather necessary personal information, including your alien registration number, country of birth, and current immigration status.
Complete the fields as indicated, ensuring accuracy to avoid processing delays.

This online process streamlines the submission and minimizes errors, enhancing user experience during their application journey.

Field-by-Field Instructions for USCIS Form I-539

Completing the USCIS Form I-539 requires careful attention to detail across various fields. Each section of the form addresses specific information essential for processing your request.

Common pitfalls to avoid include:

Leaving fields blank that require input.
Submitting inaccurate or inconsistent data.

Ensuring all information is precise and complete is fundamental to achieving a successful application outcome.

Required Documents and Supporting Materials

Accompanying the Form I-539 with the right documents is crucial for a smooth processing experience. Typically required supporting materials include:

Copy of the current visa or immigration status.
Proof of eligibility for the requested extension or change.
Any additional documents related to personal circumstances, such as financial support evidence.

Submitting a thorough application with all necessary documentation helps prevent unwanted delays in processing times.

Submission Methods for the USCIS Form I-539

Applicants can submit the USCIS Form I-539 through various methods, allowing flexibility based on personal circumstances. The main options include:

Online submission: Generally faster and allows for immediate confirmation.
Paper submission: Useful for those who prefer traditional methods, but may take longer to process.

Be aware of submission fees that apply and ensure payment methods are prearranged to avoid complications during submission.

What Happens After You Submit the USCIS Form I-539?

Once your USCIS Form I-539 is submitted, applicants should be informed about their status throughout the processing period. Processing times can vary widely based on various factors.

It’s essential to monitor your application for any status updates and understand common reasons for rejections, which often include:

Incomplete application forms.
Insufficient documentation.

If issues arise, applicants should be prepared to address concerns promptly to ensure continued compliance with immigration laws.

Security and Compliance with the USCIS Form I-539

Handling sensitive personal data when filling out the USCIS Form I-539 necessitates strict adherence to security protocols. pdfFiller guarantees that all data is protected through advanced encryption methods.

Users can trust their information remains confidential and compliant with regulations, including:

256-bit encryption to safeguard data transmissions.
Compliance with HIPAA and GDPR for user privacy.

Using pdfFiller to Fill Out the USCIS Form I-539

pdfFiller enhances the experience of filling out the USCIS Form I-539 by offering a range of user-friendly features, including:

Editing and annotating capabilities for precise completion.
E-signing functionality for swift submissions.
Secure cloud storage for convenient access to completed forms.

These features allow users to efficiently complete their immigration processes while maintaining secure access to their documents.

Last updated on Feb 21, 2015

How to fill out the Form I-539

1.

Access pdfFiller and search for 'USCIS Form I-539' to open the form.
2.

Review the fields required in the form layout including applicant details and nonimmigrant status.
3.

Gather necessary information such as your alien registration number, country of birth, and current visa status before you start filling out the form.
4.

Begin filling out the form using pdfFiller's user-friendly interface by clicking into each field and entering your information.
5.

Make sure all required fields are completed accurately, referring to instructions available within the interface.
6.

If needed, utilize pdfFiller's tools to add an interpreter’s or preparer’s signature by having them complete their respective sections.
7.

After all sections of the form are filled, review your entries carefully to ensure all information is accurate and complete.
8.

Use pdfFiller's review feature to finalize your form before saving or submitting it.
9.

When satisfied with your form, save it to your local device or submit it electronically via pdfFiller’s submission options.

FAQs

If you can't find what you're looking for, please contact us anytime!

Contact Support

Who is eligible to use the USCIS Form I-539?

Nonimmigrant visa holders in the U.S. who intend to extend their current visa status or change their nonimmigrant status are eligible to use the USCIS Form I-539.

What is the deadline for submitting Form I-539?

There is no fixed deadline for Form I-539; however, it should be submitted well in advance of your current status expiring to avoid potential unlawful presence.

How can I submit the completed Form I-539?

Once completed, Form I-539 can be submitted by mailing it to the appropriate USCIS address or electronically through approved formats, depending on your eligibility.

What supporting documents are required with Form I-539?

Required supporting documents typically include a copy of your current visa, identification, and any evidence related to your status in the U.S., such as an I-94 card.

What are common mistakes to avoid when filling out Form I-539?

Common mistakes include omitting required information, submitting without signatures, or failing to check for accurate details. Always double-check for completeness.

How long does it take for USCIS to process Form I-539?

Processing times for USCIS Form I-539 can vary; generally, it can take several weeks to months based on the volume of applications and complexity of cases.

Do I need a lawyer to file Form I-539?

While it's not mandatory to have a lawyer to file Form I-539, legal assistance can be helpful, especially for complex situations or navigating immigration law.