When required
I-539
Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. Use it only if your category and circumstances require a USCIS extension application; a school or sponsor program extension may follow a different process.
Open Fillvisa I-539All applications
Need more time in the United States?
Explore the right extension process for your nonimmigrant status. Coordinate student or exchange program dates with your school or sponsor, and prepare I-539 when a USCIS extension filing is required.
- Free form tools
- No signup
Who is this case for?
F-1 students
Contact your designated school official before your program end date. Confirm the program-extension process, your admission record, and whether your specific circumstances require a USCIS filing.
J-1 exchange visitors
Work with your sponsor's responsible officer to assess an extension within the permitted program duration and obtain an updated DS-2019 where eligible.
I-539 also serves eligible visitors and certain dependents seeking more time in their current status. Principal workers in categories such as H-1B generally require an employer-filed I-129 instead. Extending a stay does not renew the visa stamp in your passport.
YOUR PAPERWORK, ORGANIZED
Forms Included in this Application
Confirm your filing route first. Not every student or exchange program extension requires the forms below.
- If co-applicants are eligible
I-539A
Supplemental Information for Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. Complete a separate supplement for each eligible co-applicant included in an I-539 filing, following the current signature and filing rules.
View USCIS I-539A instructions - If applicable
G-1450
Authorize credit card payment for an eligible USCIS paper filing. Check the current fee and accepted payment method.
Open Fillvisa G-1450 - If applicable
G-1650
Authorize ACH payment for an eligible USCIS paper filing. Use the appropriate method; both payment authorizations are not required.
Open Fillvisa G-1650 - Optional
G-1145
Request email or text acceptance notifications for an eligible USCIS lockbox filing.
Open Fillvisa G-1145 - Required for the chosen route
Status and supporting records
Gather passport, I-94, current status documents, financial support, and the reason and requested length of the extension. Students and exchange visitors should obtain the appropriate updated I-20 or DS-2019 from their school or sponsor.
Review category-specific evidence
Program extension or USCIS extension?
For F-1 or J-1 admission marked D/S, a routine program extension is generally coordinated through the school or sponsor. Limited-duration admissions and other circumstances can require a different process. An extension, change of status, and reinstatement are distinct requests.
Confirm current requirements with your DSO or responsible officer before filing. The 2026 rule changing F/J admission periods has been subject to litigation; do not infer a new deadline from a rule announcement alone. See the University at Buffalo's implementation update and current agency instructions.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility and deadlines depend on your category, admission record, and requested extension.
Get StartedAn eligible status and request
Confirm that your category permits the requested extension and that you have maintained its conditions. Status violations may require a different remedy; an ordinary extension does not automatically resolve them.
Timely action
Review your I-94 and program documents rather than relying on the visa-stamp expiration. Request school or sponsor action before the program deadline, and file with USCIS before authorized stay expires when required, subject to the applicable rules.
A supported reason and finances
Explain why additional time is needed and document financial support and the temporary purpose of your stay. Students and exchange visitors must also satisfy program-specific extension requirements.
Work and travel limits
A pending application does not automatically authorize employment, study, or international travel. Review the rules for your category and any effect of departure while a request is pending.
Official guidance: I-539 instructions · J-1 program extensions · Extending a nonimmigrant stay. Fillvisa provides form tools and general information, not legal advice.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Getting Started
Identify the correct process and deadline before preparing forms or paying a service fee.
Explore Form I-539- 1
Review your status and dates
Check your I-94, passport, and program end date. Students and exchange visitors should contact their school or sponsor to confirm the extension route.
- 2
Gather evidence and prepare the request
Obtain updated program documents and financial records. If I-539 is required, complete it and any eligible co-applicant supplements, then check fees, signatures, and filing instructions.
- 3
Track the outcome
Keep copies and receipts, respond to requests, and verify approved dates. Continue to observe the employment, study, and travel limits that apply to your situation.
CHOOSE THE HELP YOU NEED
Compare your preparation options
Prepare supported forms for free with Fillvisa, or explore paid services with additional guidance and support.
FREE FORM TOOLS
$0
Fillvisa service feeFillvisa
Free, browser-based tools to prepare supported forms yourself. No signup required.
EXTENSION OF STATUS
Check provider
Additional forms may cost extraCitizenPath
Check whether the provider currently offers preparation for your I-539 category.
BASIC
From $25
Basic DIY preparationSimpleCitizen
Basic do-it-yourself application preparation. Confirm whether the package supports your status and requested filing.
Prices are in USD and cover preparation services only. Government filing fees are separate. These services differ in scope; confirm coverage for your status category and any additional costs with each provider.
Compare features and support
A closer look at what each option provides.
| Features | Fillvisa | CitizenPath | SimpleCitizen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service price | $0 | Check current price | From $25 (Basic) |
| Preparation approach | Self-service tools for individual forms | Confirm current availability | Application preparation with service tiers |
| Form coverage | Supported tools listed above; some forms link to USCIS | Confirm current I-539 category coverage with the provider | Confirm coverage for your I-539 eligibility category |
| PDF output | Download supported completed forms | Confirm current package output | PDF application |
| Filing guidance | General information and official USCIS links | Confirm current filing guidance | Package features vary by service tier |
| Human support | Help Center and community resources | Confirm available support | Confirm support included with Basic |
| Legal services | No attorney review or representation included | Self-service package; see provider for legal-service options | Basic is DIY preparation; confirm any paid upgrades |
| Government filing fees | Separate, where applicable | Separate | Separate |
SimpleCitizen Basic price of $25 is shown in the supplied reference. Confirm current pricing and scope with the provider. CitizenPath availability, price, and category coverage require confirmation. Sources: CitizenPath package details and SimpleCitizen pricing and features. Prices and inclusions may change; confirm details with each provider.