I-539 Processing Time 2026
Form I-539, Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status: how long USCIS takes, from its own quarterly data for Apr 1 – Jun 30, 2026 (FY2026 Q3).
National median
Half of the cases USCIS completed in Apr–Jun 2026 took this long or less (national median). Your case may differ: offices and individual cases vary. Not legal advice.
Trend by quarter
National median in months for each USCIS fiscal-year quarter we have the report for (FY = October–September). “n/a” = USCIS no longer hosts that quarter’s report.
| Quarter | National median (months) |
|---|---|
| FY26 Q3 Apr–Jun 2026 | 5.7 |
| FY26 Q2 Jan–Mar 2026 | 3.4 |
| FY26 Q1 Oct–Dec 2025 | — |
| FY25 Q4 Jul–Sep 2025 | 2.9 |
Track your own case
Paste your receipt number to see which office has it, how old it is compared with this median, and the next steps. Free; without an account your cases stay in your browser.
Open the case tracker →What is Form I-539?
Form I-539 is used to extend a stay or change to another nonimmigrant status, for example H-4 or L-2 dependents, visitors (B-1/B-2) asking for more time, or changes to F-1 student status.
Form I-539, Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (uscis.gov)
What affects the processing time
- Whether it is filed together with the principal’s I-129 (dependents) or on its own.
- Premium processing exists only for changes to F, M or J status.
- Biometrics, only if USCIS requests them.
- Requests for Evidence (RFE): the clock keeps running while you gather and mail the response, and the case waits for it.
Typical steps
- Receipt notice (I-797C)USCIS suggests filing at least 45 days before your authorized stay expires.uscis.gov
- Biometrics (only if requested)Since 2023 the biometrics fee and routine appointment were removed, but USCIS can still request biometrics case by case.uscis.gov
- Request for Evidence (if needed)USCIS may ask for more documents. Answer by the deadline on the notice.
- DecisionApproval comes with a new I-94; premium processing exists only for changes to F, M or J status (30 business days).uscis.gov
FAQ
How long does I-539 take in 2026?
In USCIS’s latest quarterly report (Apr 1 – Jun 30, 2026 (FY2026 Q3)) the national median for I-539 was 5.7 months. Half of the cases completed in that quarter took longer, and your office may be faster or slower.
When should I file an I-539 extension?
USCIS suggests filing at least 45 days before your authorized stay expires, and in any case before it expires.
My case is taking longer than the median. What can I do?
Look up your form and office on USCIS’s official processing-times page. If your receipt date is earlier than the “receipt date for a case inquiry” it shows, you can ask USCIS about the case through e-Request. Answer any notices on time, and consider an attorney if something looks wrong.
Source
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, “Number of Service-wide Forms By Quarter, Form Status, and Processing Time”, Apr 1 – Jun 30, 2026 (FY2026 Q3), data queried 7/2026 (quarterly_all_forms_fy2026_q3_v1.xlsx).
- Download the report (uscis.gov)
- USCIS immigration and citizenship data
- Office-level processing times (egov.uscis.gov)
This page is rebuilt automatically when USCIS publishes a new quarter.