Extend Your Stay in the US - Form I-539 for B-2 Visitors and Students
How long you can stay in the US is shown on your I-94 record, not on your visa. If you need more time, you file Form I-539 with USCIS before that date. We prepare the application and documents for B-2 visitors and F and M students, and for a change of status from B to F-1. Extension - $500, change to F-1 - $1,250.
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What we do for your Form I-539
Form I-539 is the USCIS application to extend your stay or change your nonimmigrant status inside the US. What gets extended is your stay on the I-94 record, not the visa in your passport. A new visa can only be issued by a consulate abroad.
USCIS extends your stay if you have a good reason to remain and you follow the terms of your status: you don't work, don't study on a B visa, can support yourself and plan to leave.
We review your I-94, visa and reason for extending, and tell you whether you have a chance and how much time is left to file.
We prepare an explanation of why you need to stay, proof of funds, a return ticket or departure plan, and documents showing your ties to home.
We complete the current edition of the form and file online or by mail to the correct address. Family members are included in the same application.
We track the case, explain USCIS notices and prepare a response to a request for evidence. A response to a request is a separate service for $250.
When to file Form I-539
Below are three common cases, including a change of status from B to F-1. Whether yours fits, we confirm at the consultation.
Common cases
Parents visiting their children, tourists, medical treatment. You can extend for up to 6 months at a time if you have a reason and the funds. File before your I-94 date. USCIS suggests at least 45 days in advance.
For students who need more time to finish a program, the school usually handles the extension in SEVIS. Form I-539 is needed in specific cases, such as reinstatement or M students.
You can switch to study without leaving the US. You need a Form I-20 from the school, a paid SEVIS fee and Form I-539. You cannot start classes before approval.
How to extend your stay in the US
USCIS processing times change every month. Check the current ones on the USCIS processing times page. You can check your own stay date on your I-94 record on the CBP website.
If you filed on time, you usually wait for the decision in the US. If USCIS denies it, you need to leave right away so that you don't overstay.
Common extension mistakes
Denials and status violations usually come from these situations.
If you need a new visa rather than more time, it is issued by a consulate abroad - see our B1/B2 visa page. Consular fees are explained in our article.
Want to extend your stay without status problems?
Discuss your situation with an immigration lawyer.
ReLocate is a team of immigration lawyers. For almost 20 years we have supported clients in immigration matters and assisted with complex visa applications. We specialize in immigration law, passport and visa regulations, and border control procedures.
A team of lawyers will work on your case
Extension of stay cost
Extending a B visitor stay or F/M student status costs $500. A change from B to F-1 costs $1,250. You pay the USCIS fee directly. See all our fees on the prices page and other US services in the US section.
Official fees are paid separately
| USCIS fee for Form I-539 (paper; online - 420 USD) | 470 USD |
| SEVIS I-901 fee for F-1 students (for a change to F-1) | 350 USD |
* Per the USCIS fee schedule (G-1055) and the SEVIS fee page as of 10.2026. Fees change, so we check them again before filing.
Why our services are not expenses, but an investment
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