Form I-539: Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
Fill Form I-539 in the FormVeritas Form Workspace and run 129 checks written for this form. Catch blank answers, conflicting dates and missing signatures before USCIS does.
What is Form I-539?
Form I-539 is used to request an extension of stay or a change to another nonimmigrant status, such as from B-2 visitor to F-1 student. It is also used for certain reinstatement requests. After approval, USCIS updates the person's I-94 record with the new status or end date.
Who files it: Nonimmigrants in the United States seeking an extension or change of status, including dependents of principal workers.
What USCIS typically asks for
- Copy of the current I-94 and passport
- Evidence of eligibility for the requested status, such as a Form I-20 for F-1
- Evidence of financial support during the extended or changed stay
- Filed before the current authorized stay expires, with limited exceptions
A plain-English summary, not legal advice. The Form I-539 instructions on uscis.gov are the official list of requirements and evidence.
What FormVeritas checks on Form I-539
When you run an audit from the Form Workspace, FormVeritas reviews the answers you entered using checks written for this form's fields.
Answers left blank 50 checks
Points out blank answers in the places its checks for this form look at.
Areas include: names; A-Numbers; receipt numbers; addresses; telephone numbers and email addresses; employment and education; the interpreter, preparer and representative sections; Yes/No answers and their explanations; and signatures and dates of signature.
How entries are written 25 checks
Checks how entries are written against what each field asks for.
Areas include: names; A-Numbers; USCIS online account numbers; Social Security numbers; receipt numbers; passports, visas and arrival records; addresses; telephone numbers and email addresses; employment and education; immigration status and history; and the interpreter, preparer and representative sections.
Dates 7 checks
Checks the dates entered on this form.
Areas include: passports, visas and arrival records.
Answers that do not fit together 13 checks
Compares related answers on this form and points out ones that do not fit together.
Areas include: names; A-Numbers; receipt numbers; addresses; the interpreter, preparer and representative sections; Yes/No answers and their explanations; and signatures and dates of signature.
Check boxes and Yes/No questions 24 checks
Checks how boxes are selected in the groups of choices on this form.
Signatures 10 checks
Checks the signature lines on this form.
Before you file Form I-539
- Use the current edition (08/28/24). USCIS may reject outdated editions.
- Read the Form I-539 instructions on uscis.gov for what to include.
- Confirm the fee with the USCIS Fee Calculator and Form G-1055.
- Answer every question that applies to you, including each Yes/No question.
- Sign and date every required signature line.
- Run a FormVeritas audit and fix everything it flags.
What these checks don't do
They don't check that every question that applies to you is answered, whether your answers are true, or whether you're eligible for what you're asking for. A report with no findings does not mean USCIS will accept or approve your filing.
Not legal advice. For eligibility questions, talk to a licensed immigration attorney.
Form I-539 questions
What is Form I-539 used for?
Form I-539 is used to request an extension of stay or a change to another nonimmigrant status, such as from B-2 visitor to F-1 student. It is also used for certain reinstatement requests. After approval, USCIS updates the person's I-94 record with the new status or end date.
Who files Form I-539?
Nonimmigrants in the United States seeking an extension or change of status, including dependents of principal workers.
What does FormVeritas check on Form I-539?
FormVeritas runs 129 checks written for Form I-539, covering answers left blank, how entries are written, dates, answers that do not fit together, check boxes and yes/no questions, signatures.
What is the current edition of Form I-539?
USCIS lists 08/28/24 as the current edition of Form I-539. FormVeritas last checked this on October 21, 2026. Always confirm the edition on uscis.gov before you file.
How long does USCIS take to process Form I-539?
The times USCIS publishes for Form I-539 vary widely by office and category (published October 19, 2026). Individual cases can take more or less time; check the USCIS processing times tool for your office.
Is the Form I-539 filing fee shown here?
USCIS lists fees for Form I-539 on Form G-1055, Fee Schedule (edition 10/16/26). Use the USCIS Fee Calculator to confirm the fee that applies to your filing.
Does a clean FormVeritas report mean USCIS will approve my Form I-539?
No. FormVeritas checks the form for preventable mistakes. It does not check eligibility or whether answers are true, and it does not guarantee acceptance or approval.
More related forms
Check your Form I-539 before USCIS does.
Fill Form I-539 in the Form Workspace and get a plain-English report of what to fix. Your first audit is free.
Not legal advice. No approval guarantee. A smarter way to catch form mistakes before you file.