B-1 and B-2 visitors who need additional time in the United States may apply to extend their authorized stay by filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. USCIS should receive the application before the expiration date listed on Form I-94.
The application may be filed online or by mail, depending on the applicant’s circumstances. Follow the steps below to complete a Form I-539 extension and avoid outdated filing or payment procedures.
Step 1: Check Your Form I-94 Expiration Date
Review the expiration date on Form I-94 before preparing the application. The Form I-94 date determines how long a visitor is authorized to remain in the United States. The expiration date printed on the visa does not determine the permitted length of stay.
USCIS recommends filing before the authorized stay expires. Filing early leaves more time to correct a rejected payment, missing signature, or incomplete application.
Step 2: Choose Online or Paper Filing
Applicants looking to extend visitor visa stays may file Form I-539 online through a USCIS online account or mail a paper application.
Online filing is available when an applicant:
- Is filing only for themselves
- Does not have co-applicants
- Is not filing through an attorney or accredited representative
- Meets the USCIS eligibility requirements for online Form I-539 filing
Applicants who want to include co-applicants in the same application must file by paper. Family members who choose online filing must submit separate applications and pay a filing fee for each application.
Online Filing vs. Paper Filing: Which is better?
Applicants may file Form I-539 online through a USCIS online account or submit a paper application by mail.
- Online filing fee: $420
- Submit Form I-539, upload supporting documents, and pay the filing fee through a USCIS online account.
- Paper filing fee: $470
- Mail Form I-539, supporting documents, and an accepted payment authorization to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox.
Many applicants prefer online filing, as it is the more efficient and cost-saving route. The digital process saves $50 per application. It eliminates mailing expenses and allows supporting evidence, notices, and case updates to remain accessible through one USCIS account.
Applicants filing only for themselves should review online eligibility before preparing a paper application. Paper filing may remain necessary for applicants with co-applicants or cases that do not qualify for online submission. Family members who file online must submit separate applications and pay a filing fee for each application.
USCIS fees may change. Confirm the US visa extension online fee and paper filing fee before submitting Form I-539.
Step 3: Complete Form I-539
Use the current edition of Form I-539. Enter accurate information about the applicant’s status, Form I-94, requested extension period, and reason for remaining in the United States.
Include the supporting documents required for the application. Review the current Form I-539 instructions before filing because document requirements may vary.
Step 4: Pay the Filing Fee
Online applicants pay the filing fee through their USCIS online account, while paper applicants must follow the current I-539 payment methods.
As of October 28, 2025, USCIS no longer accepts checks or money orders as standard payment methods for paper filings. Paper applicants must use:
- Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, for credit or debit card payments
- Form G-1650, Authorization for ACH Transactions, for payments from a U.S. bank account
Applicants who lack access to banking services or electronic payment systems, or who would experience undue hardship from electronic payment, may request a limited exemption through Form G-1651, Exemption for Paper Fee Payment. Approval is not automatic; USCIS determines eligibility based on the circumstances provided.
Step 5: Submit the Application
Online applicants may upload the required documents and submit Form I-539 through their USCIS online account.
Paper applicants must mail Form I-539, supporting documents, and the accepted payment authorization to the USCIS Dallas Lockbox.
U.S. Postal Service
USCIS
Attn: I-539
P.O. Box 660166
Dallas, TX 75266-0166
FedEx, UPS, and DHL Deliveries
USCIS
Attn: I-539 (Box 660166)
2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067-8003
Use the address assigned to the selected delivery method. Check the USCIS Form I-539 filing-address page before mailing. USCIS may update filing locations.
Step 6: Save Copies and Get Updates
Save a copy of the completed application, supporting documents, and payment confirmation before submission.
Paper applicants should use a trackable mailing service and keep the mailing receipt and delivery confirmation. Applicants may place Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance, at the front of the package to request an email, text message, or both after USCIS accepts the filing.
An electronic notification does not replace the official receipt notice.
Step 7: Track Your Application
After USCIS accepts Form I-539, it sends a Form I-797 receipt notice with a case receipt number. Keep the notice in a safe place.
Use the receipt number to check the application through USCIS Case Status Online. Online applicants may also review notices and updates through their USCIS accounts.
USCIS may approve or deny the application, request additional evidence, or schedule an interview. Processing times vary by application category, USCIS office, workload, and individual case circumstances. A receipt notice confirms that USCIS accepted the application for processing; it does not mean that the extension has been approved.
You can use the Immihelp® Visa and Immigration Tracker to compare your visitor visa extension timeline with cases shared by other users and get a rough idea of how long processing may take.
Additional Step: Respond to a Request for Evidence
USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence if additional documents or information are needed before a decision is made.
Read the notice carefully and submit the requested evidence by the stated deadline. Follow the response instructions provided by USCIS, including the correct submission method and address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend my visa if my I-94 is about to expire?
Yes, file Form I-539 before the expiration date on Form I-94. USCIS recommends filing at least 45 days before the authorized stay expires, but an application may still be filed closer to the expiration date. Late filings are accepted only in limited circumstances and at USCIS discretion.
How long does I-539 processing take?
Processing times vary by USCIS office, application category, workload, and case circumstances. Check the current estimate using the USCIS processing times tool. Then, use the receipt number on Form I-797 to review case updates through USCIS Case Status Online.
Can my spouse and children apply with me for a visitor visa extension?
Eligible family members may be included in the same paper filing by submitting Form I-539A for each co-applicant. Family members filing online must submit separate Form I-539 applications and pay a separate filing fee for each application.
Does filing Form I-539 guarantee an extension?
No, filing Form I-539 only asks USCIS to extend the authorized stay. USCIS may approve or deny the request, request additional evidence, or schedule an interview before reaching a decision.
