I-539 Extension Of Stay
I. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS FORM?
II. WHEN SHOULD I USE FORM I-539?
III. WHAT DOCUMENTS DO YOU NEED TO SUBMIT TO THE U.S. CITIZENSHIP & IMMIGRATION SERVICES?
IV. WHERE DO I FILE THE APPLICATION?
I. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS FORM?
You should use this form if you are in one of the non-immigrants classifications listed below and wish to apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services USCIS for an extension of stay, or a change to another non-immigrant status.
NON-IMMIGRANT CATEGORIES:
A. B-1 - Visitor for Business or B-2 - Visitor for Pleasure (Most Common)
II. WHEN SHOULD I USE FORM I-539?
You must submit an application for extension of stay, or change of status before your current authorized stay expires. The USCIS suggests you file at least 45 days before your stay expires, or as soon as you determine your need to change status. Failure to file before the expiration date maybe excused if you demonstrate when you file the application that:1. The delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond your control;
2. The length of the delay was reasonable;
3. You have not otherwise violated your status;
4. You are still a bona fide non immigrant; and
5. You are not in removal proceedings
Multiple Applicants may include their spouse and unmarried children under age 21 years as co-applicants in their application for the same extension or change of status, if all are in the same status or they are all in derivative status.
III. WHAT DOCUMENTS DO YOU NEED TO SUBMIT TO THE U.S. CITIZENSHIP & IMMIGRATION SERVICES?
B1/B2 VISA, Visitor for Business or Pleasure
1. Form I-539;
2. Copy of passport of each person included in your application;
3. Copy of Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) of each person included in your application;
4. Statement explaining in detail the reasons for your request, why your extended stay would be temporary, including what arrangements you have made to depart from the United States; and any effect the extended stay may have on your foreign employment or residency;
5. Evidence that you have sufficient funds available to support yourself during your extended stay in the U.S.;
6. Filing Fee click here.
IV. WHERE DO I FILE THE APPLICATION?
With some exceptions, Form I-539 is generally filed with the California Service Center or the Vermont Service Center.
California Service Center fillings cover the following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, or Wyoming.
The mailing address is:
USCIS
California Service Center
P.O. Box 10539
Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-1053
Vermont Service Center filings cover the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, U.S. Virgin Islands, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
The address for Vermont Service Center filings is:
USCIS
Vermont Service Center
ATTN: I-539
75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, VT 05479
Filing Form I-539 at the same time as the principal: If your Form I-539for change of status or extension of stay is filed at the same time as the principal's Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, (which includes a request for change of status or extension of stay), send the entire Form I-129/I-539 package to the Vermont Service Center or the California Service Center, depending on the State where the principal is or will be employed temporarily.
Last Updated on Thursday, 05 January 2012 13:26