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B-2 Visa: Temporary Tourism Visa

What is a b-2 visa.

A B-2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows individuals to enter the United States for tourism or pleasure-related activities. This can include activities such as visiting friends or family, participating in social events, or engaging in leisure activities like sightseeing or vacationing.

B-2 visa applicants must demonstrate that they have ties to their home country that they do not intend to abandon, have enough funds to support themselves during their stay in the US, and that they intend to leave the US at the end of their visit.

Like the B-1 visa, the maximum stay for a B-2 visa is typically six months, although the actual length of stay will be determined by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer upon arrival in the United States.

It’s important to note that the regulations are subject to change and the above information might not be accurate in the future. It is recommended to check with the US embassy in your country for more detailed information and updates.

Who Qualifies for B-2 Visa?

In order to qualify for a B-2 visa, an applicant must meet the following criteria:

• The primary purpose of their trip to the United States must be for tourism or pleasure.
• They must have a residence outside the United States and other binding ties that will ensure their return home at the end of their visit.
• They must have enough financial resources to cover the expenses of their trip and stay in the United States without working or receiving financial assistance from a U.S. source.
• They must not have a criminal record or pose a security threat to the United States.
• They must not have previously violated the terms of a U.S. visa or immigration laws.
• They must not have any communicable disease or be otherwise inadmissible to the United States.

How to Apply for B-2 Visa?

To apply for a B-2 visa, you will need to follow these steps:

• Determine if you are eligible for a B-2 visa by reading the guidelines on the U.S. Department of State website.
• Fill out the online visa application form (DS-160) and pay the visa application fee.
• Schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• Gather all required documents, including a valid passport, a photo, proof of financial support, and an itinerary of your trip.
• Attend the interview and provide all required documents.
• Wait for the decision on your application.

What are the Required Documents for B-2 Visa?

The required documents for a B-2 visa application may vary depending on the individual applicant’s situation and the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where the application is being processed. However, generally speaking, the following documents are typically required:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond the intended stay in the United States.
• A completed and signed online visa application form ( DS-160 ).
• A 2×2 inch photograph that meets the requirements for passport photos.
• Proof of financial support, such as bank statements or a letter from an employer or sponsor outlining the purpose of your trip and the expenses that will be covered.
• An itinerary of your trip, including details about your accommodation and transportation arrangements.
• Proof of ties to your home country, such as a letter from your employer, property ownership documents, or proof of family ties.
• Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of your trip, such as an invitation letter from a U.S. host or proof of previous travel experience.

What is the B-2 Visa Fee?

The B-2 visa fee is currently $160.00 for most applicants. This fee is subject to change and can vary based on the applicant’s country of origin and other factors. It is important to check the U.S. Department of State website or with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will be applying for the most current fee information.

What is the B-2 Processing Time?

Before 2021, the processing time for a B-2 visa could vary depending on a number of factors such as the applicant’s country of origin, the time of year, and the workload of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where the application is being processed. However, in general, the processing time for a B-2 visa was usually within a few weeks to a few months. Keep in mind that some U.S. Embassies or Consulates may have different processing times and it’s always recommended to apply as early as possible and check with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will be applying for the most current processing time information.

B-2 Visa Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about B-2 visas:

• What are the eligibility requirements for a B-2 visa? A: The B-2 visa holder must be able to demonstrate that they have a residence outside the United States to which they intend to return and that they have sufficient funds to cover the expenses of their trip and stay in the US. They must also not have any intention of immigrating to the US permanently.
• Can a B-2 visa holder work or study in the US? A: No, B-2 visa holders are not allowed to work or study in the US. Any kind of gainful employment or academic enrollment is prohibited on a B-2 visa.
• How long is a B-2 visa valid for? A: The B-2 visa is typically valid for up to six months, but the actual period of validity will be determined by the consular officer at the time of the visa interview.
• How to apply for a B-2 Visa? A: The B-2 visa holder must submit a completed Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application), along with other required documents such as a valid passport, proof of financial support, and evidence of the purpose of the trip to a US embassy or consulate.
• Can a B-2 visa holder apply for an extension while in the US? A: Yes, it is possible to apply for an extension of stay if the B-2 visa holder’s circumstances have changed and they need to remain in the US longer than the initial period of admission. The B-2 visa holder should apply for an extension before the current status expires.

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How to apply for or renew a U.S. tourist visa

If you visit the U.S. for tourism or business, you may need a visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa. Learn how to get and renew this type of nonimmigrant visa.

Find out if you need a visa to visit the U.S.

Check if your country participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) . If it does, you can get a waiver and will not need a visa. If you do not see your country listed, you will need a visitor visa.

Visitor (tourist) visas and other travel documents for entering the U.S.

The visitor visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa for people who wish to temporarily enter the U.S. There are two categories:

• B-1 for business travel
• B-2 for tourism and medical treatment

Learn about B-1 and B-2 visas , including:

• Reasons you would need each type of visitor visa
• How to apply
• What documents you will need
• Application fees
• How to prepare for your interview at your U.S. embassy or consulate

Along with your visa, you must bring a passport issued by your country of citizenship. When you arrive at your port of entry into the U.S., officials will issue you a Form I-94, which electronically records your arrival and departure dates. Learn more about Form I-94.

How to renew a visitor visa

The process to renew a visitor visa is the same as getting one for the first time. Follow the process to apply for a visitor visa from the Department of State.

Find the contact information for your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and contact them for visa renewal information.

Understand expiration dates for visas and I-94 forms

• The date you must depart the U.S. will be shown on your Form I-94. This date is determined by the Customs and Border Protection officer when you arrive at the port-of-entry into the U.S. 
• Only diplomatic visa holders and their dependents can renew their visas while they are in the U.S.

LAST UPDATED: May 31, 2024

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The DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, is for temporary travel to the United States, and for K (fiancé(e)) visas. Form DS-160 is submitted electronically to the Department of State website via the Internet. Consular Officers use the information entered on the DS-160 to process the visa application and, combined with a personal interview, determine an applicant’s eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa.

Visa applicants must submit a completed DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application for all nonimmigrant visa categories, including applicants applying for K visas. ( Note:   For K visa cases in process at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate prior to October 7, 2013, review the limited exceptions explained in the FAQs below.) 

Review the Frequently Asked Questions for instructions about using the DS-160.

Access the online DS-160 by clicking: Consular Electronic Application Center website .

Important Notice to Visa Applicants: After you have completed the DS-160, you must take these next steps below:

• Print and keep the DS-160 barcode page. (You will not need to print the full application.)
• You must schedule a visa interview appointment.  (The U.S. Embassy or Consulate does not schedule an appointment for you.) Visit the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  website where you will be interviewed for country-specific instructions.;
• Pay the visa application processing fee . Review country-specific instructions on the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  website.

More Information

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How to File a US Visitor Visa B-2 Application Form

If you are not a US citizen but want to travel to the United States for tourist purposes, you will need a US visa in order to enter the country. The B-2 visitor visa is one of the most popular visitor visa options available for tourists. The B-2 visa is a visitor visa which allows you to enter the United States on a temporary basis in order to take part in holidays, tourism, amusements, visits, medical treatment, and participation in some non-commercial events.

In order to secure a B-2 visa, you will need to apply for your visitor visa before leaving your country of origin for the United States. In order to apply for a visitor visa, you also need to prove to US authorities that you qualify for the US visa. This means that you will generally have to show documentation showing the purpose of your trip and you must generally be able to show documentation that you intend to stay only for limited or specific period of time in the United States. To get a B-2 visa, you must also generally be able to show evidence that you have enough money to cover the cost of staying in the United States for your intended period of stay. In addition, you may be expected to prove that you have strong economic and social ties abroad, such as a permanent residence outside of the United States and an intention of returning to that residence. This helps show US officials that you intend to leave the United States at the end of your visitor visa term.

To apply for a B-2 visa , you will generally need to visit the US consulate or embassy which has jurisdiction over your country of permanent residence. Since 2001, B-2 visa applications are subject to more restrictions and reviews, so it is a good idea to apply for your visitor visa well in advance of the date you plan to travel. In order to secure your B-2 visa, you will generally need to interview with an embassy or consulate official. You also need to file an application for the visa and pay the applicable processing fee. There may be additional restrictions and requirements, depending on your particular situation and the area you are applying from. In order to secure a visitor visa, you will also be required to get a digital fingerprint scan. Some applications may require additional administrative processing.

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• B-2 Visas Allowing Foreign National Tourists to Legally Enter the U.S.

Non-immigrant visas allow foreign nationals to enter and stay in the United States for a limited period of time and for a specific purpose. Aliens visiting the U.S. for pleasure are covered by the B-2 non-immigrant visa category. The B-2 visa category is broad and encompasses many activities. If you are traveling to the U.S. to simply visit for pleasure, to see family or friends, to seek medical help, or to participate in a sports or music performance as an amateur, you may apply for a B-2 visitor visa.

To qualify for a B-2 visa, an individual must demonstrate that:

• The reason for the trip is tourism;
• The individual has a permanent residence abroad that he or she has no intention of abandoning;
• The individual has ties to his or her home country in the form of a job, property, or family;
• The individual is not entering the U.S. to seek gainful employment or participate in business activities that are primarily for the benefit of a U.S. employer; and
• The individual has sufficient financial resources to cover the expenses of the trip.

The length of time that an individual can stay in the U.S. on a B-2 visa is determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry. The maximum amount of time is typically six months.

There are a number of benefits associated with the B-2 visa, including the fact that an individual does not require an approved visa petition from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to apply for such a visa. The applicant can apply for a B-2 visa in person at the nearest U.S. consulate in his or her home country. The applicant does not need to be sponsored by anyone in the U.S. to apply for a B-2 visa. Additionally, it is relatively quicker and easier to obtain than some other types of visas.

A potential student visiting the U.S. to tour schools may be eligible for a B-2 visa, but they may not enroll in school before changing their status to student visa status.

Trips made to the U.S. on a B-2 visa cannot involve any type of employment or academic study programs. A B-2 visa can, however, be used to visit a prospective academic institution to assess whether an individual wants to undertake study there or not. Enrolling in classes while on the B-2 status results in a status violation, which means an individual has violated his or her immigration status and is not eligible to extend the visa or change it to another type of visa that would permit the individual to undertake a course of study.

B-2 visas can also be sought by the spouse and children of a B-2 visa holder. Since the B-2 category has no dependent visa, dependents who are accompanying the B-1 visa holder can apply separately for a B-2 visa and must follow all the regulations pertaining to that visa.

It is important to note that if you have ever been arrested or have a criminal conviction, have been denied entry to the United States, or have previously been deported, you will need to present documents relating to your situation in support of your application.

You should consult the help of an immigration attorney in your local area if you wish to enter the U.S. on a B-2 visa. The attorney can help assess your specific situation and inform you of your eligibility.

Last reviewed October 2023

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• B-1 Visas Allowing Foreign National Business Travelers to Legally Enter the U.S.
• Applying for a B-1 or B-2 Visa as a Foreign National Professional or Tourist
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• Denials of Visas or Green Cards & Your Legal Options
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Common Nonimmigrant Visas

Business/tourist visa.

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The B-1/B-2 visitor visa is for people traveling to the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2). Generally, the B-1 visa is for travelers consulting with business associates, attending scientific, educational, professional or business conventions/conferences, settling an estate or negotiating contracts. The B-2 visa is for travel that is recreational in nature, including tourism, visits with friends or relatives, medical treatment and activities of a fraternal, social or service nature. Often, the B-1 and B-2 visas are combined and issued as one visa: the B-1/B-2.

If you apply for a B-1/B-2 visa, you must demonstrate to a consular officer that you qualify for a U.S. visa in accordance with the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Section 214(b) of the INA presumes that every B-1/B-2 applicant is an intending immigrant. You must overcome this legal presumption by showing:

• That the purpose of your trip to the U.S. is for a temporary visit, such as business, pleasure, or medical treatment
• That you plan to remain in the U.S. for a specific, limited period of time
• Evidence of funds to cover your expenses while in the United States
• That you have a residence outside the U.S., as well as other binding social or economic ties, that will ensure your return abroad at the end of your visit

Personal or domestic employees and crew members working aboard vessels within the Outer Continental Shelf may qualify for B-1 visas under certain circumstances.

Some foreign nationals may be ineligible for visas according to The Immigration and Nationality Act. You can read more about The Immigration and Nationality Act and visa ineligibility here .

If you apply for a business/tourist visa, you must submit the following:

• A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form. Visit the DS-160 webpage for more information about the DS-160.
• A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application.
• One (1) 2"x2" (5cmx5cm) photograph. This page has information about the required photo format.
• A receipt showing payment of your non-refundable nonimmigrant visa application processing fee, paid in local currency. This page has more information about paying this fee. If a visa is issued, there may be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee, depending on your nationality. The Department of State's website can help you find out if you must pay a visa issuance reciprocity fee and what the fee amount is.

In addition to these items, you must present an interview appointment letter confirming that you booked an appointment through this service . You may also bring whatever supporting documents you believe support the information provided to the consular officer.

Step 1 Pay the visa application fee .

Step 2 Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form .

Step 3 Schedule your appointment on this web page . You will need three pieces of information in order to schedule your appointment:

• Your passport number
• Your MRV fee payment receipt number
• The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page

Step 4 Visit the U.S. Embassy/Consulate on the date and time of your visa interview. You will need to bring a printed copy of your appointment letter, your DS-160 confirmation page, one recent photograph, your current passport and all old passports. Applications without all of these items will not be accepted.

Supporting documents are only one of many factors a consular officer will consider in your interview. Consular officers look at each application individually and consider professional, social, cultural and other factors during adjudication. Consular officers may look at your specific intentions, family situation, and your long-range plans and prospects within your country of residence. Each case is examined individually and is accorded every consideration under the law.

Caution: Do not present false documents. Fraud or misrepresentation can result in permanent visa ineligibility. If confidentiality is of concern, the applicant should bring the documents to the Embassy in a sealed envelope. The Embassy will not make this information available to anyone and will respect the confidentiality of the information.

You should bring the following documents to your interview. Original documents are always preferred over photocopies and you must bring these documents with you to the interview. Do not fax, email or mail any supporting documents to the Embassy.

• Current proof of income, tax payments, property or business ownership, or assets.
• Your travel itinerary and/or other explanation about your planned trip.
• A letter from you employer detailing your position, salary, how long you have been employed, any authorized vacation, and the business purpose, if any, of your U.S. trip.
• Criminal/court records pertaining to any arrest or conviction anywhere, even if you completed your sentence or were later pardoned.

Additionally, based on your purpose of travel, you should consider bringing the following:

Bring your latest school results, transcripts and degrees/diplomas. Also bring evidence of financial support such as monthly bank statements, fixed deposit slips, or other evidence.

Working adults

Bring an employment letter from your employer and pay slips from the most recent three months.

Business visitors and company directors

Bring evidence of your position in the company and remuneration.

Visiting a relative

Bring photocopies of your relative's proof of status (e.g. Green Card, naturalization certificate, valid visa, etc).

Previous visitors to the U.S.

If you were previously in the United States, any documents attesting to your immigration or visa status.

If you wish to travel to the U.S. for medical treatment, then you should be prepared to present the following documentation in addition to the documents listed above and those the consular officer may require:

• A medical diagnosis from a local physician explaining the nature of your ailment and the reason you require treatment in the United States.
• A letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States expressing a willingness to treat this specific ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors' fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related expenses).
• A statement of financial responsibility from the individuals or organization paying for your transportation, medical and living expenses. The individuals guaranteeing payment of these expenses must provide proof of their ability to do so, often in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns.

In accordance with the agreement signed between the United States and China to extend visa validity, beginning on November 29, 2016, Chinese citizens with 10-year B1, B2 or B1/B2 visas in Peoples’ Republic of China passports will be required to update their biographical and other information from their visa application via a website every two years, or upon getting a new passport or B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa, whichever occurs first.  This mechanism is called EVUS - Electronic Visa Update System.

The EVUS website is now open to the public for enrollments at www.EVUS.gov .  CBP will not collect a fee for EVUS enrollment at this time. CBP anticipates the eventual implementation of an EVUS enrollment fee, but does not have a time frame. Until the implementation of a fee, travelers can enroll in EVUS without charge.  The Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will keep visa holders informed of new information throughout the year. For further information, please visit  www.cbp.gov/EVUS .‎

根据美中双方签署的延长签证有效期的协议，自2016年11月29日起，凡持有10 年 期B1，B2 或 B1/B2签证的中华人民共和国护照持有人需要每两年或在获取新护照或最长有效期的B1、B2或B1/B2签证时时（以先到者为准），通过网站更新他们签证申请上的个人资料及其它信息。这个机制我们称之为EVUS –签证更新电子系统。

EVUS的登记网站 www.EVUS.gov 现已开放接受登记。美国海关和边境保护局（CBP）目前不会收取登记费用。美国海关和边境保护局预期EVUS登记收费最终会实施，但目前尚未落实执行时间。在收费实施前，旅客可以免费完成EVUS登记。美国国土安全部海关和边境保护局将在今年及时向签证持有人公布最新的信息。获取更多的信息，请访问 www.cbp.gov/EVUS 。

For more information about business and tourist visas, visit the Department of State's website .

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I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

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ALERT: Beginning Oct. 1, 2023, we are exempting the $85 biometric services fee for Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. You do not need to pay the biometric services fee if your application is postmarked Oct. 1, 2023, or later.

If you mistakenly submit the biometric services fee and your payment is submitted separately from the Form I-539 fee, we will return the biometric services fee and accept the Form I-539. If you mistakenly submit the biometric services fee and the payment is combined with a paper-based Form I-539 filing fee, we consider this an incorrect filing and we will reject the Form I-539. If you mistakenly authorize a credit card payment that combines the biometric services fee with the application fee, we will accept the application, and only charge the application fee.

For more information, please see our web alert.

ALERT: As of April 1, 2022, we will no longer accept a single, combined fee payment when filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status; Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization; or Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition, together with a Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker.

As of April 1, 2022, we will no longer accept a single, combined fee payment when filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status; Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization; or Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition, together with a Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker.

Separate payments are required for each of these forms. If the payments for these forms are combined, we will reject the entire package.

We are transitioning to electronically processing immigration benefit requests. As we complete this transition, we will be using multiple systems to receive and process various types of immigration benefit requests. Because the Form I-129 and related applications are not all processed in the same system, we require a separate payment instrument for each of these forms.

We acknowledge that using multiple checks or payments for the Form I-129 and related applications is more burdensome than using one payment. We are always analyzing our forms, practices, and policies to streamline filing and reduce, minimize, and control burdens to submit requests. However, we believe that the advantages of electronic processing to both the agency and to the public outweigh the minor inconvenience of submitting individual fee payments.

ALERT: USCIS published a policy manual update that affects language relating to F-1 students on Page 4 of the Form I-539 instructions. Effective July 20, 2021, this update replaces the policy as stated in the form instructions. USCIS is in the process of revising form instructions to reflect the changes made by this policy update. Any revisions to the form instructions will be made in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act.

Please bring your application support center (ASC) appointment notice (Form I-797C) to your scheduled biometrics appointment.

If you filed multiple I-539 applications and received multiple ASC appointment notices, please bring all notices to your first scheduled appointment at the specified ASC.

If you do not bring all of your ASC appointment notices to your first biometrics appointment, we may not be able to associate you with all of your pending ASC appointment notices for your filed I-539 applications and you must attend all subsequent ASC biometrics appointments or risk possible denial of your other Form I-539 applications due to abandonment. See 8 CFR 103.2 (b)(13)(ii).

The following groups use this form:

• Certain nonimmigrants extending their stay or changing to another nonimmigrant status;
• Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) residents applying for an initial grant of status;
• F and M nonimmigrants applying for reinstatement; and,
• Persons seeking V nonimmigrant status or an extension of stay as a V nonimmigrant.

You must carefully review the Form I-539 filing instructions (PDF, 372.2 KB) before submitting your request to ensure you are filing your request for an extension or change of status using the proper form.

Requests for extension of stay in, or change of status to, certain employment-based classifications must be filed using Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker , rather than Form I-539.

You must NOT file Form I-539 to request an extension of stay in, or change of status to, any of the following classifications:

• E-1 principal treaty traders and E-1 principal employees of a treaty trader
• E-2 principal treaty investors and E-2 principal employees of a treaty investor
• E-2 CNMI principal investors
• E-3 principal specialty occupation workers from Australia  [NOTE: Eligible dependents of family members of E principal nonimmigrants must file the Form I-539 to extend their stay or change their status unless they are seeking to change to a status listed here, in which case, they may NOT use the Form I-539.]
• H-1B, H-1B1, H-2A, H-2B, and H-3 nonimmigrants
• L-1 nonimmigrants
• O-1 and O-2 nonimmigrants
• P-1, P-2, P-3, P-1S, P-2S, or P-3S nonimmigrants
• Q-1 nonimmigrants
• R-1 nonimmigrants
• TN-1 and TN-2 nonimmigrants

IMPORTANT NOTE: Filing your request on the wrong form may result in the rejection or denial of your case. USCIS will not refund your filing fees if your case is denied.

Form Details

Form I-539 (PDF, 490.6 KB)

Instructions for Form I-539 (PDF, 372.2 KB)

Form I-539A (PDF, 385.34 KB)

Instructions for Form I-539A (PDF, 225.12 KB)

Form M-752, Helpful Filing Tips for Form I-539 (PDF, 99.23 KB)

04/01/24 . You can find the edition date at the bottom of the page on the form and instructions.

Dates are listed in mm/dd/yy format.

If you complete and print this form to mail it, make sure that the form edition date and page numbers are visible at the bottom of all pages and that all pages are from the same form edition. If any of the form’s pages are missing or are from a different form edition, we may reject your form.

If you need help downloading and printing forms, read our instructions . 

For a complete list of mailing addresses, visit our  Form I-539 Direct Filing Addresses  page.

Nonimmigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals who intend to remain in the United States for a temporary (less than permanent) period. The period varies for different nonimmigrant categories. We understand that plans can change. If your original reason for coming to the United States changes, you may be eligible to extend your status or you may be required to change your nonimmigrant status to a different one before you lawfully begin to engage in the activities you want to pursue. 

You may apply to extend or change your status in the United States if you: 

• Were lawfully admitted into the United States as a nonimmigrant; 
• You have not committed any act that would make you ineligible to receive an immigration benefit; 
• There is no other factor that requires you to depart the United States prior to making a reentry based on a different classification (for example, a USCIS officer may determine that you should obtain a new visa prior to being readmitted into the United States); and 
• You submit your Form I-539 application for an extension or change of status by mail or you can file online before the expiration date as shown on the admission stamp in your travel document on your Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record. (There are certain very limited circumstances under which USCIS will excuse a late submission.)

Please note that some nonimmigrant visa categories are not eligible to extend or change status (C, D, K-1, K-2, S, TWOV, WT, and WB) and some can only change or extend status subject to certain restrictions (J-1 and M-1). For further guidance, please refer to the filing instructions for Form I-539. 

If you are eligible to file an I-539 application, you must apply for extension of stay or change of status before your current authorized stay expires. Even if you are approved for another status in the future, you will be required to file a Form I-539 to “bridge” any gap that might arise between the expiration of your current status and validity of your future status. Therefore, we suggest you file at least 45 days before your stay expires or as soon as you determine your need to change or extend status. Failure to file before the expiration date may be excused if you demonstrate when you file the application that: 

• The delay was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond your control; 
• The length of the delay was reasonable; 
• You have not otherwise violated your status; 
• You are still a bona fide nonimmigrant; and 
• You are not in removal proceedings.

Your passport must be valid for your entire requested period of stay in the new nonimmigrant classification in the United States.

If your status expired before you filed Form I-539 with USCIS to change or extend your status, or if you have otherwise violated the terms of your status (such as by working without authorization), then you are “out of status.” If you fall out of status, we cannot change your status except in certain limited circumstances beyond your control. Staying longer than the period for which you were granted admission may also negatively affect your ability to obtain other benefits or to return to the United States later. If you fall out of status, we recommend that you leave the United States to limit the possible impact on your ability to come back to the United States in the future.  

You can find the filing fee for Form I-539 by visiting our Fee Schedule page. 

You can pay the fee with a money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or  pay by credit card  or debit card using  Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions . If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

When you send a payment, you agree to pay for a government service. Filing fees are final and non-refundable, regardless of any action we take on your application, petition, or request, or if you withdraw your request.   If you pay by credit card or debit card, you cannot later dispute the payment. Use our  Fee Calculator  to help determine your fee.

If you are submitting multiple forms, pay each filing fee separately. We are transitioning to electronically processing immigration benefit requests, which requires us to use multiple systems to process your package. We may reject your entire package if you submit a single, combined payment for multiple forms. 

View the  checklist  of required initial evidence.

Filing Tips for Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

Complete all sections of the form. We will reject the form if these fields are missing:

• Family Name
• Mailing Address
• Date of Birth
• Current nonimmigrant status
• I am applying for (1., 2., or 3.a.)
• The status I am requesting (3.b or 3.c)
• Total number of People Included in This Application.

Filing Tips for Form I-539A, Supplemental Information for Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

Filing Tips:  Review our  Tips for Filing Forms by Mail  page for information on how to ensure we will accept your form.

Don’t forget to sign your form.  We will reject any unsigned form.

E-Notification : If you want to receive an e-mail and/or text message that we have accepted your form at a USCIS lockbox, complete  Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance , and clip it to the first page of your form.

Filing Information

• Filing Addresses for Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
• Grants of Status
• Changing to a Nonimmigrant F or M Student Status
• Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, Information for Completing USCIS Forms 
• I-94 Fact Sheet (PDF)
• I-94 Expiration Dates (PDF)