OMB No. 1615-0003; Expires 02/29/2012 Department of Homeland Security Instructions for Form I-539, Application U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status Instructions Read these instructions carefully to properly complete this form. If you need more space to complete an answer, use a separate sheet of paper. Write your name and Alien Registration Number (A-Number), if any, at the top of each sheet of paper and indicate the part and number of the item to which the answer refers. NOTE: You have the option of submitting this paper version of Form I-539 according to the form's instructions or you may file the application electronically. To file electronically, visit our Internet Web site at www.uscis.gov and follow the instructions on e-filing. Whether you submit this paper form or e-file, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recommends that you retain a copy of your application and supporting documents for your records. Multiple Applicants What Is the Purpose of This Form? You may include your spouse and your unmarried children You should use this form if you are one of the nonimmigrants under 21 years of age as co-applicants in your application for listed below and wish to apply to U.S. Citizenship and the same extension or change of status, but only if you are all Immigration Services (USCIS) for an extension of stay or a now in the same status or they are all in derivative status. change to another nonimmigrant status. Nonimmigrant Categories In certain situations, you may use this form to apply for an initial nonimmigrant status. This form may be used by the following nonimmigrants listed You may also use this form if you are a nonimmigrant F-1 or in alphabetical order: M-1 student applying for reinstatement. 1. A, Ambassador, Public Minister, or Career Diplomatic or Consular Officer and Their When Should I Use Form I-539? Immediate Family Members You must submit a copy, front and back, of Form I-94 of You must submit an application for extension of stay or each person included in the application and Form I-566, change of status before your current authorized stay expires. Interagency Record of Request-A, G, or NATO Dependent We suggest you file at least 45 days before your stay expires, Employment Authorization or Change/Adjustment to/from or as soon as you determine your need to change status. A,G, or NATO Status, certified by the U.S. Department of Failure to file before the expiration date may be excused if you State to indicate your accredited status. demonstrate when you file the application that: 1. The delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond NOTE: An A-1 or A-2 nonimmigrant is not required to your control; pay a fee with Form I-539. 2. The length of the delay was reasonable; 2. A-3, Attendant or Servant of an A Nonimmigrant 3. You have not otherwise violated your status; and the A-3's Immediate Family Members 4. You are still a bona fide nonimmigrant; and 5. You are not in removal proceedings. You must submit a copy, front and back, of Form I-94 of each person included in the application. Who May File Form I-539? The application must be filed with: A. A copy of your employer's Form I-94 or approval Extension of Stay or Change of Status notice demonstrating A status; Nonimmigrants in the United States may apply for an B. An original letter from your employer describing your extension of stay or a change of status on this form, except as duties and stating that he or she intends to personally noted in these instructions under the heading, "Who May Not employ you, and arrangements you have made to File Form I-539." depart from the United States; and Form I-539 Instructions (Rev. 07/15/10)Y C. An original Form I-566, certified by the U.S. F-1 Reinstatement Department of State, indicating your employer's continuing accredited status. You will only be considered for reinstatement as an F-1 student if you establish: 3. B-1, Visitor for Business, or B-2, Visitor for Pleasure A. That the violation of status was due solely to circumstances beyond your control or that failure to If you are filing for an extension/change, you must file reinstate you would result in extreme hardship; your application with the original Form I-94 of each person included in your application. In addition, you must B. You are pursuing or will pursue a full course of study; submit a written statement explaining in detail: C. You have not been employed without authorization; A. The reasons for your request; and B. Why your extended stay would be temporary, including D. You are not in removal proceedings. what arrangements you have made to depart from the United States; and 5. G, Designated Principal Resident Representative of a Foreign Government and His or Her C. Any effect the extended stay may have on your foreign Immediate Family Members employment or residency. You must submit a copy, front and back, of Form I-94 for If you are applying for an extension/change of B-1, visitor each person included in the application, and Form I-566, for business, you must designate your desired status using certified by the U.S. Department of State to indicate your the following classification in Part 2.1.b of Form I-539: accredited status. A. B-1A, nonimmigrant who is the personal or domestic NOTE: A G-1 through G-4 nonimmigrant is not required servant of a nonimmigrant employer; to pay a fee with Form I-539. B. B-1B, nonimmigrant domestic servant of a U.S. citizen; The application must also be filed with: C. B-1C, nonimmigrant who is employed by a foreign A. A copy of your employer's Form I-94 or approval airline; notice demonstrating G status; and D. B-1D, nonimmigrant who is a missionary; and B. An original letter from your employer describing your E. B-1, all other visa classifications not designated above. duties and stating that he or she intends to personally employ you and arrangements you have made to depart 4. F-1, Academic Student from the United States. To request a change to F-1 status or to apply for 6. Dependents of an H, Temporary Worker reinstatement as an F-1 student, you must submit your If you are filing for an extension/change of status as the original Form I-94, as well as the original Form I-94 of dependent of an employee who is an H temporary worker, each person included in the application. this application must be submitted with: Your application must include your original Form I-20, A. Form I-129 filed for that employee or a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student, issued filing receipt noting that the petition is pending with by the school where you will study. To request either a USCIS; or change or reinstatement, you must submit documentation B. A copy of the employee's Form I-94 or approval notice that demonstrates your ability to pay for your studies, and showing that he or she has already been granted status support yourself while you are in the United States. to the period requested on your application; and F-1 Extensions C. Evidence of relationship (example: birth or marriage certificate). Do not use this form to request an extension. For information concerning extensions, contact your NOTE: An employer must file Form I-129 to request an designated school official at your institution. extension/change to H status for an employee or prospective employee. Dependents of such employees must file for an extension/change of status on this form, not on Form I-129. Form I-539 Instructions (Rev. 07/15/10) Y Page 2 7. J-1, Exchange Visitor If you are a current or former J nonimmigrant, you must If you are requesting a change of status to J-1 provide information about this status, including the dates nonimmigrant classification, your application must be filed you maintained status as a J-1 exchange visitor or a J-2 with an original DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for dependent. Willful failure to disclose this information (or Exchange Visitor Status. You must also submit your other relevant information) can result in your application original Form I-94, as well as the original Form I-94 for being denied. Provide proof of this status along with your each person included in the application. application, such as a copy of Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, or a copy of J-1 Extensions your passport that includes the J visa stamp. If you are a J-1 exchange visitor seeking an extension of 8. Dependents of an L, Intracompany Transferee nonimmigrant status, contact the responsible officer of your program for information about this procedure. If you are filing for an extension/change of status as the dependent of an employee who is an L intracompany J-1 Reinstatement transferee, this application must be submitted with: A. Form I-129 filed for that employee, or a copy of the If you are a J-1 exchange visitor seeking reinstatement, filing receipt noting that the petition is pending with you may need to apply to the U.S. Department of State's USCIS; or Office of Education and Cultural Affairs for such approval.