Follow your request to extend your stay or change status, and hear the moment USCIS decides it.
Use the receipt number from the I-797C notice for your I-539. Free, no sign-up.
Want automatic updates? Get alerts on WhatsApp after you check.
USCIS updates cases at random hours and the letter takes a week to arrive. We check your case every few hours and message you the moment it moves.
USCIS accepted your filing and sent a receipt notice (Form I-797C).
Next: Keep the receipt number. Biometrics, if needed, usually come next within a few weeks.
USCIS needs your fingerprints and photo. An appointment notice is on its way or already arrived.
Next: Go to the Application Support Center on the date shown. Bring the notice and a photo ID.
Your biometrics appointment is done. USCIS has recorded that your fingerprints, photo and signature were taken.
Next: USCIS uses them for background and security checks. The case then waits for an officer; the next update is often an interview notice, a Request for Evidence or a decision.
An officer is working on your case. It's a normal step, not a sign of a problem.
Next: This status can last weeks or months. The next update is often an approval, an interview or a Request for Evidence.
USCIS needs more documents before it can decide. The letter lists exactly what is missing.
Next: Respond by the deadline on the notice, usually 87 days. Many people have an immigration attorney review the response.
USCIS has your answer to the Request for Evidence and the case is back in line for review.
Next: The next update is usually the decision, though it can take a few weeks or longer.
USCIS approved your case. The approval notice is in the mail.
Next: If a card comes with this benefit, expect a 'Card Is Being Produced' and 'Card Was Mailed' update next.
USCIS denied the application or petition. The notice explains why.
Next: Depending on the case you may be able to appeal, file a motion or refile. Talk to an immigration attorney quickly; deadlines are short.
Form I-539 asks USCIS to extend your stay or change you to another nonimmigrant status, for example a visitor (B-1/B-2) extending a trip, a visitor changing to student (F-1), or a dependent spouse in H-4 or L-2 status.
Family members can often be included on one I-539, and dependents of an H-1B or L-1 worker frequently file theirs alongside the main worker's petition. Each filing gets its own receipt number.
USCIS may schedule a biometrics appointment for an I-539. Watch for the appointment notice and the status update after your fingerprints are taken.
Whether you can stay or work while an I-539 is pending depends on your status and when you filed. Ask an immigration attorney before your I-94 date if you aren't sure, and keep your receipt notice.
Enter the I-539 receipt number above. You'll see the current status, what it means and what usually comes next.
It varies by the status you're requesting and by service center. Our processing times page shows how long the I-539 is taking from real decided cases, and CaseTracker Personal estimates your decision date.
Yes. CaseTracker Personal follows up to 10 receipt numbers, so you can track the whole family's cases in one place.
Leaving the U.S. while a change or extension of status is pending can affect the request. Talk to an immigration attorney before you travel.
CaseTracker for firms checks every client's case with USCIS for you and alerts your team on WhatsApp and email when something changes. Import your caseload from a spreadsheet in minutes. 14-day free trial.