I-539 processing time
Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
From USCIS data captured October 19, 2026
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Shortest typical wait
National Benefits Center
1 – 3 months
Longest typical wait
Service Center Operations (SCOPS)
5 – 25.5 months
Offices
2
process this form
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Every office, fastest to slowest
| Office | Category | Current time | Case inquiry possible for receipts on/before |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Benefits Center | All other change of status applications | 1 – 2.5 months | August 05, 2026 |
| All other extension of stay applications | 2.5 – 3 months | August 05, 2026 | |
| Service Center Operations (SCOPS) | Change of status to B nonimmigrant | 8 – 9 months | January 19, 2026 |
| Change of status to H4 dependent with I-765 | 7.5 – 9.5 months | January 11, 2026 | |
| Change of status to F or M student or J exchange visitor category | 8.5 – 10 months | December 20, 2025 | |
| Change of status to H4 dependents | 10.5 – 14 months | August 31, 2025 | |
| Change of status to L dependent | 14.5 – 16 months | June 29, 2025 | |
| All other change of status applications | 14 – 16 months | July 01, 2025 | |
| Extension of stay for B nonimmigrant | 8.5 – 10 months | January 03, 2026 | |
| Extension of stay for H4 dependents with I-765 | 5 – 9 months | January 27, 2026 | |
| Extension of stay for F or M students and J exchange visitor category | 6.5 – 8 months | February 25, 2026 | |
| Extension of stay for H4 dependents | 10.5 – 13.5 months | September 13, 2025 | |
| Extension of stay for L dependents | 8.5 – 12 months | October 24, 2025 | |
| All other extension of stay applications | 11 – 15.5 months | July 15, 2025 | |
| Extension of stay for T nonimmigrant | 22 – 25.5 months | September 16, 2024 | |
| Extension of stay for U nonimmigrant | 20.5 – 23 months | December 01, 2024 | |
| Reinstatement to student status | 15 – 17.5 months | May 15, 2025 |
National context
Historical median by fiscal year
This is the national median for completed cases—not the current office-level 80% time shown above. The two measures are not directly comparable.
| Classification | FY 2021 | FY 2022 | FY 2023 | FY 2024 | FY 2025 | FY 2026* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Extend/Change Applications | 9.6 | 6.8 | 5.8 | 2.7 | 2.5 | 3.3 |
* FY2026 is partial: Oct. 1, 2025–May 31, 2026.
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The national I-539 line
Cases waiting
109,156
nationwide (FY2026 Q2)
The line is
growing
+25.2% since FY2025 Q4
What that usually means
More applications than decisions — pressure toward longer waits.
From USCIS's official quarterly report. See the full outlook and methodology →
Related forms
Other USCIS forms commonly tracked in the same process — listed for reference, not as guidance on what to file.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Form I-539 take in 2026?
Per USCIS data captured October 19, 2026, I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) takes from 1 – 3 months at the office with the shortest wait (National Benefits Center) to 5 – 25.5 months at the longest (Service Center Operations (SCOPS)).
Which office is fastest for I-539?
As of the latest data, National Benefits Center shows the shortest time: 1 – 3 months.
What does this processing time mean?
USCIS calculates it as the time in which 80% of adjudicated cases were completed over the past six months. It is a reference point, not a promise about any individual case.
How often is this page updated?
Arrive Legal captures USCIS-published data weekly and archives every capture to show trends over time.
Official source: USCIS Case Processing Times. See our methodology.