On March 11, 2019, the U.S Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will implement a new I-539 Application to Change or Extend Non-Immigrant status. Starting the same day, only this edition of the I-539 form will be accepted by DHS.  Be careful when filing an I-539 that will be received by DHS on or after March 11, 2019.

An $85 biometrics appointment (fingerprinting and photographing) will be required for all I-539 applicants and their dependents. The biometrics fees must accompany the regular I-539 filing fee or the I-539 application will be rejected. In addition, applicants are required to submit a new form – the I-539A, Supplemental Information for Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status – alongside the I-539. This new form will also be available from the I-539 webpage on March 11th.

As always, all forms must be signed. Parents may sign for children under 14 years of age and those otherwise deemed incompetent to sign. Any unsigned forms will be rejected.