Revised Form I-539 and New Form I-539A

By Angelita Chavez-Halaka, Armando Escobedo, and Gladys Gervacio

Summary

On March 11, 2019, USCIS will publish on its website a revised Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) with an edition date of 02/04/2019. USCIS will also publish a new Form I-539A (Supplemental Information for Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status).

The new Form I-539A will replace Supplement A from previous editions of Form I-539. Form I-539A should be submitted with Form I-539 and cannot be filed as a standalone form.

Changes to Form I-539

• Each co-applicant included in the primary applicant’s Form I-539 should sign and file a separate Form I-539A
  • Parents or guardians may sign on behalf of their children under 14 years of age
• The primary applicant and co-applicant are required to pay an $85 biometric services fee (except for certain A, G, and NATO nonimmigrants as will be noted in the new Form I-539 instructions)
• The primary applicant and co-applicant, regardless of age, will receive an individual receipt number and a biometrics services notice with the scheduled appointment at the Application Support Center (ASC) closest to primary applicant’s address. Co-applicants should file a separate Form I-539 if they wish to be scheduled at a different ASC location.

 USCIS will reject Forms I-539 that are missing the required signatures or biometrics fee (including those required for Form I-539A), and previous editions of Form I-539.

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