U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that the revised Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status and new Form I-539A have now been published. However, USCIS will accept the old form through March 21.

The Form I-539 is used for a variety of application types, including:

• Certain nonimmigrant applications for an extension of stay, including H-4 and L-2
• Certain nonimmigrant applications for an change of status, including H-4 and L-2
• Reinstatement for F-1 and M-1 students

USCIS has expanded the scope of information to be gathered and will change the filing and adjudication requirements. The revised Form I-539 includes the following significant changes:

• Every co-applicant included on the primary applicant’s Form I-539 must submit and sign a separate Form I-539A. Parents or guardians may sign on behalf of children under 14 or any co-applicant who is not mentally competent to sign.
• In addition to the current USCIS filing fee of $370 for the Form I-539, every applicant and co-applicant must pay an additional $85 biometric services fee, except certain A, G, and NATO nonimmigrants as noted in the new Form I-539 instructions.

USCIS has indicated that it will reject any Form I-539 that is missing any of the required signatures or biometrics fees, including those required for Form I-539A.

Foster will continue to monitor changes in USCIS procedures and will provide updates as appropriate via Foster Immigration Updates© and on the firm’s website at www.fosterglobal.com.