Applying for an extension of stay or a change of status in the U.S. can feel like a big hurdle, and often, a crucial part of your application is the I-539 Cover Letter. Think of this letter as your chance to personally introduce your application to the immigration officers. This article will walk you through what a good I-539 Cover Letter Sample looks like, and why it's so important for your case.
Understanding the I-539 Cover Letter
The I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, is a form used by people who are already in the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa and want to stay longer or switch to a different type of visa. While the form itself has specific questions, a cover letter is your opportunity to add more context and explain your situation clearly. The importance of a well-written cover letter cannot be overstated; it can significantly impact the review of your application.
A strong I-539 Cover Letter Sample typically includes:
- Your personal information and the applicant's information.
- The reason for applying to extend or change status.
- A clear statement of the requested extension or change.
- A list of all supporting documents you are submitting.
- A polite closing.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what's usually expected:
| Section | What to Include |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Your name, contact info, and the purpose of the letter. |
| Main Body | Detailed explanation of your situation and why you need the extension/change. |
| Document Checklist | List of all attachments. |
| Conclusion | Thank you, and contact information. |
I-539 Cover Letter Sample for Extension of Stay (e.g., B2 Tourist Visa)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Address of Service Center, if known]
Subject: Application for Extension of Stay - Form I-539 - [Your Name] - A-Number: [Your A-Number, if applicable] - USCIS Online Account Number: [Your USCIS Online Account Number, if applicable]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this letter and the accompanying Form I-539 as my application to extend my stay in the United States. My current B2 tourist visa is set to expire on [Original Expiration Date]. I am respectfully requesting an extension of my stay until [Requested New End Date].
I entered the United States on [Date of Entry] with the intention of visiting my family and experiencing American culture. During my stay, I have diligently adhered to all visa regulations and have no intention of violating my immigration status. The reason for my request for an extension is [Clearly state your reason, e.g., unforeseen family medical emergency requiring my continued presence, extended vacation plans due to new travel opportunities, completion of specific cultural events I wished to attend].
I have attached the following supporting documents to demonstrate my continued eligibility and financial ability to support myself during the extended stay:
- Copy of my passport biographic page and visa stamp.
- Copy of my I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
- Proof of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, sponsor's affidavit of support).
- [Any other relevant document, e.g., medical letter, itinerary for extended travel].
Thank you for your time and consideration of my application. I look forward to your favorable response.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
I-539 Cover Letter Sample for Change of Status (e.g., B2 to F1 Student)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Address of Service Center, if known]
Subject: Application for Change of Status to F-1 Student - Form I-539 - [Your Name] - A-Number: [Your A-Number, if applicable] - USCIS Online Account Number: [Your USCIS Online Account Number, if applicable]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this letter and the accompanying Form I-539 as my application to change my status from B2 visitor to F-1 student. I am currently in the United States in B2 status, with my authorized stay expiring on [Original Expiration Date].
I have been accepted into the [Name of Program, e.g., Master of Business Administration] program at [Name of University/School] located in [City, State]. My program is scheduled to begin on [Program Start Date] and will conclude on [Program End Date]. I am eager to pursue my educational goals in the United States and believe that this program is an excellent fit for my academic and career aspirations.
I have attached the following documents to support my application for a change of status to F-1 student:
- My passport biographic page and visa stamp.
- My I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
- The Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, issued by [Name of University/School].
- Proof of financial support for my studies and living expenses.
- Evidence of my admission to [Name of University/School], such as an acceptance letter.
- [Any other relevant document, e.g., academic transcripts].
Thank you for your review of my application. I am available for any further information you may require.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
I-539 Cover Letter Sample for Family Member Joining
[Primary Applicant's Name]
[Primary Applicant's Address]
[Primary Applicant's Phone Number]
[Primary Applicant's Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Address of Service Center, if known]
Subject: Application for Extension of Stay (Family Member) - Form I-539 - [Family Member's Name] - A-Number: [Family Member's A-Number, if applicable] - USCIS Online Account Number: [Family Member's USCIS Online Account Number, if applicable]
Dear USCIS Officer,
Please accept this letter and the accompanying Form I-539 submitted on behalf of my [Relationship to applicant, e.g., spouse, child], [Family Member's Name]. [Family Member's Name] is currently in the United States in [Current Visa Status, e.g., B2 visitor] status and their authorized stay is set to expire on [Original Expiration Date]. We are requesting an extension of stay until [Requested New End Date] to remain together as a family.
I, [Primary Applicant's Name], am currently in the United States in [Your Visa Status, e.g., H-4 dependent visa] and my status is valid until [Your Status Expiration Date]. My [Family Member's Relationship, e.g., spouse] has been visiting me during this period. Due to [State the reason, e.g., unforeseen circumstances related to my employment requiring my continued presence, a desire to allow my child to complete the current school semester here], we would appreciate it if [Family Member's Name] could remain in the U.S. with me for a further period.
The following documents are enclosed to support this application:
- Copy of [Family Member's Name]'s passport biographic page and visa stamp.
- Copy of [Family Member's Name]'s I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
- Copy of my [Primary Applicant's Name] passport biographic page, visa stamp, and I-94.
- Proof of our relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).
- Evidence of my valid immigration status in the U.S.
- [Any other relevant document, e.g., proof of shared residence].
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Primary Applicant's Signature]
[Primary Applicant's Typed Name]
[Family Member's Signature]
[Family Member's Typed Name]
I-539 Cover Letter Sample for Change of Status to Dependent Visa (e.g., F2 to F1)
[Applicant's Name]
[Applicant's Address]
[Applicant's Phone Number]
[Applicant's Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Address of Service Center, if known]
Subject: Application for Change of Status to F-1 Student - Form I-539 - [Applicant's Name] - A-Number: [Applicant's A-Number, if applicable] - USCIS Online Account Number: [Applicant's USCIS Online Account Number, if applicable]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to respectfully request a change of my immigration status from F-2 dependent to F-1 student, for which I am submitting Form I-539. I have been in the United States in F-2 status, accompanying my [Relationship, e.g., spouse], [Primary F1 Visa Holder's Name], who is pursuing studies on an F-1 visa at [Name of University/School].
I have recently been accepted into the [Name of Program, e.g., Bachelor of Science in Engineering] program at [Name of University/School] in [City, State]. My program is scheduled to commence on [Program Start Date] and is expected to conclude by [Program End Date]. I am very excited about this academic opportunity and am fully prepared to meet all the requirements of the F-1 student visa.
The following documents are enclosed with my application:
- My passport biographic page and visa stamp.
- My I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
- The Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, for my F-1 program from [Name of University/School].
- Copy of my [Primary F1 Visa Holder's Name]'s I-20 and passport.
- Proof of financial support for my studies and living expenses.
- [Any other relevant document, e.g., acceptance letter, transcripts].
Thank you for your prompt attention to my application. I am available for any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
I-539 Cover Letter Sample for Students Extending Their Program
[Student's Name]
[Student's Address]
[Student's Phone Number]
[Student's Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Address of Service Center, if known]
Subject: Application for Extension of Stay - Form I-539 - F-1 Student - [Student's Name] - SEVIS ID: [Student's SEVIS ID]
Dear USCIS Officer,
This letter accompanies my Form I-539 application for an extension of stay in my F-1 student status. My current Form I-20 indicates that my program of study at [Name of University/School] is scheduled to end on [Original Program End Date]. However, due to [Clearly state the reason, e.g., unforeseen academic difficulties requiring additional coursework, a change in research focus that necessitates an extended period, participation in an optional practical training (OPT) extension due to STEM eligibility], I require an extension of my F-1 status until [Requested New End Date].
I have been a diligent student throughout my time at [Name of University/School] and have made significant progress in my studies. My Designated School Official (DSO) at [Name of University/School] has confirmed that this extension is necessary and has issued a new Form I-20 reflecting the updated program completion date.
The following documents are included with my application:
- My passport biographic page and visa stamp.
- My I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
- The new Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, from [Name of University/School], indicating the extended program end date.
- A letter from my DSO at [Name of University/School] explaining the necessity for the extension.
- [Any other relevant document, e.g., academic transcripts, a letter from my academic advisor].
Thank you for your time and consideration of my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
I-539 Cover Letter Sample for Change of Status to Another Visa Type (e.g., B2 to J1 Exchange Visitor)
[Applicant's Name]
[Applicant's Address]
[Applicant's Phone Number]
[Applicant's Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Address of Service Center, if known]
Subject: Application for Change of Status to J-1 Exchange Visitor - Form I-539 - [Applicant's Name] - A-Number: [Applicant's A-Number, if applicable] - USCIS Online Account Number: [Applicant's USCIS Online Account Number, if applicable]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to submit my application for a change of immigration status from B2 visitor to J-1 Exchange Visitor, using Form I-539. My current B2 status is valid until [Original Expiration Date]. I have been accepted into the [Name of Program, e.g., Research Scholar program] sponsored by [Name of Sponsor Organization, e.g., XYZ Institute] under the J-1 Exchange Visitor program.
This program offers a unique opportunity for me to [Briefly describe the purpose of the J-1 program, e.g., conduct research in my field of expertise, gain valuable practical experience in cultural exchange]. I am eager to participate in this program and contribute to the exchange of knowledge and culture.
The following documents are enclosed with my application to support my change of status request:
- My passport biographic page and visa stamp.
- My I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
- The Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status, issued by [Name of Sponsor Organization].
- Proof of financial support for my stay in the U.S. as required by the J-1 program.
- My acceptance letter from [Name of Sponsor Organization].
- [Any other relevant document, e.g., resume, letters of recommendation].
Thank you for your consideration of my application. I am available for any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
I-539 Cover Letter Sample for Changing Status from One Student Visa to Another (e.g., F1 to M1)
[Student's Name]
[Student's Address]
[Student's Phone Number]
[Student's Email Address]
[Date]
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[Address of Service Center, if known]
Subject: Application for Change of Status to M-1 Vocational Student - Form I-539 - [Student's Name] - SEVIS ID: [Student's SEVIS ID]
Dear USCIS Officer,
I am writing to apply for a change of my nonimmigrant status from F-1 student to M-1 vocational student, as indicated by my submission of Form I-539. I am currently in the United States pursuing [Briefly describe current F-1 program, e.g., a degree in liberal arts] at [Name of current institution].
I have recently decided to change my academic focus to a vocational field and have been accepted into the [Name of Program, e.g., Culinary Arts program] at [Name of new institution], a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school for vocational training. This program is scheduled to begin on [Program Start Date] and will conclude by [Program End Date]. I believe the M-1 visa is more appropriate for my chosen course of study.
The following documents are enclosed to support my application for this change of status:
- My passport biographic page and visa stamp.
- My I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
- The Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (M-1), from [Name of new institution].
- Copy of my previous Form I-20 (F-1) from [Name of current institution].
- Proof of financial support for my M-1 program and living expenses.
- [Any other relevant document, e.g., acceptance letter, transcripts].
Thank you for considering my application. I am available to provide any additional information needed.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Crafting a clear and comprehensive I-539 Cover Letter Sample is a vital step in ensuring your application for an extension of stay or change of status is reviewed favorably. By clearly outlining your situation, stating your request, and listing your supporting documents, you help USCIS officers understand your case better. Remember to be honest, thorough, and polite. A well-prepared cover letter can make a significant difference in the outcome of your immigration journey.