I-539 filing fee (Visa Extension)
Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status: what USCIS charges, by filing category, from the official fee schedule.
Fee by filing category
| Filing Category | Paper Filing Fee | Online Filing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General Filing | $470 | $420 |
| If filing into or out of A, G, or NATO nonimmigrant status. | $0 | $0 |
| Victims of severe form of trafficking (T nonimmigrants). | $0 | $0 |
| Victims of qualifying criminal activity (U nonimmigrants). | $0 | $0 |
| If seeking to extend status as or change status to B-1 nonimmigrant United Nations (UN) Mission Observer (or B-2 dependent of a UN Mission Observer). | $0 | $0 |
How to pay
Online filings are paid through Pay.gov. For paper filings USCIS no longer accepts personal or business checks, money orders or cashier's checks unless you qualify for an exemption (Form G-1651): pay by credit, debit or prepaid card with Form G-1450 or from a U.S. bank account with Form G-1650. A wrong amount gets the whole filing rejected.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the I-539 fee in 2026?
The I-539 fee is $470 on paper and $420 online. Filing online saves $50. 4 filing categories are exempt ($0). These are the amounts in the USCIS Fee Calculator, updated Oct 28, 2026.
Is it cheaper to file I-539 online?
Yes. Online filing costs $420 instead of $470 on paper, $50 less.
Can I get a fee waiver for I-539?
USCIS lists I-539 as eligible for a fee waiver for certain applicants. You request it with Form I-912 (or a written request) filed on paper together with the form, for example if you receive a means-tested public benefit, your household income is at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or you are in financial hardship. Fees set by law under Pub. L. 119-21 cannot be waived.
How do I pay the I-539 fee?
Online filings are paid through Pay.gov. For paper filings USCIS no longer accepts personal or business checks, money orders or cashier's checks unless you qualify for an exemption (Form G-1651): pay by credit, debit or prepaid card with Form G-1450 or from a U.S. bank account with Form G-1650. A wrong amount gets the whole filing rejected.
How long does I-539 take after I pay?
USCIS decided half of all I-539 cases within 5.7 months in Apr–Jun 2026. See the I-539 processing time page for the history.
Figures are copied from the official files without changes; derived numbers (changes, backlog estimates) are explained on the methodology page. Not legal advice.