Published on March 6, 2019

On Friday, March 8, 2019, USCIS will publish a revised Form I-539 as well as a new Form I-539A, replacing the previous Form I-539 and Supplement A.  The new Form I-539 and I-539A MUST be used for all nonimmigrant extension and change of status applications filed (received) after March 21, 2019.

Form I-539 is commonly used to extend or change an individual’s nonimmigrant status, including extensions of stay for dependents of H, E, L, TN and O visa holders, extension or reinstatement of F-1 status, extension or change of B-1/B-2 status, or change of nonimmigrant status from one visa classification to another. Individuals who were admitted under the Visa Waiver Program, C, TWOV, D, K-1, or K-2 status may not extend or change status through filing Form I-539.

Significant changes to Form I-539 will include the following:

• Biometrics requirement for every co-applicant: Every co-applicant must pay an additional $85 biometric services fee and attend the biometric services appointment, including children under 14 years old.
• Signatures and supplemental form for every co-applicant: Every co-applicant on the primary applicant’s Form I-539 will need to submit and sign a separate Form I-539A. According to USCIS, a scan of the original wet ink signature will be accepted.

USCIS will start accepting the revised Forms I-539 and I-539A on March 8^th, and will only accept the prior version of Form I-539 and Supplement A (dated 12/23/16) until March 21^st.

Please contact the Immigration Group at Ryan Swanson if you have questions regarding the new form requirements for applications for an extension or change of nonimmigrant status.

Marsha Mavunkel can be reached at [email protected].
Amy Royalty can be reached at [email protected].
Jen Chen can be reached at [email protected].
Cody Nunn can be reached at [email protected]
Joel Paget can be reached at [email protected].
Janet Cheetham can be reached at [email protected].