How long USCIS is taking to decide I-539 applications to extend a stay or change to another status (H-4, L-2, B-1/B-2, F-1 and others), from real cases we tracked. Updated every day.
We're still collecting enough decided I-539 cases to publish our own numbers (we wait for at least 20). Until then, USCIS's published national median is 3.7 months.
USCIS national median, FY2026 for I-539: 3.7 months.
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An H-4 or L-2 I-539 filed together with the worker's I-129 is generally decided alongside it, which is much faster when the I-129 uses premium processing. Filed on its own, it waits in the regular I-539 queue.
Premium processing is available for certain changes of status, such as to F, M or J student and exchange visitor status. Most other I-539 requests can't be upgraded.
B-1/B-2 extensions often take longer than the extra time requested, so the request can be overtaken by events. Plan departure dates with that in mind.
This page is general information, not legal advice. For decisions about your own case, check USCIS's current guidance or talk to an immigration attorney.
Other forms: I-130 · I-129F · I-751 · I-730 · I-601A · I-485 · N-400 · N-600 · N-600K · I-131 · I-821 · I-140 · I-526E · I-829 · I-360 · I-918 · I-914 · I-817 · I-600A · I-600 · I-800A · I-800 · I-90 · N-565 · I-824
All USCIS processing timesUSCIS's published national median for I-539 is 3.7 months. We don't yet have enough decided I-539 cases of our own to publish a figure, so this page shows USCIS's number until we do.
If you filed a timely extension before your I-94 expired, you can generally remain while it's pending. If it's denied, you may need to leave promptly, and pending doesn't always mean you can keep working. Confirm the details for your case with USCIS or an immigration attorney.
Generally no. If you're changing from a status like B-2 to F-1, you can't begin full-time study until the change is approved, which is why timing against the program start date matters.
No. Family members in the same status can be included on one I-539, each listed on Form I-539A.
Ours come from real I-539 cases we tracked from the day USCIS received them to the day they were approved or denied, over the last 12 months. USCIS's median covers its whole fiscal year and, for some forms, only one category. Neither predicts a single case exactly: your service center or field office, your category and any Request for Evidence matter more.
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