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Top Tips to e-File the Form I-539 in USCIS ELIS

These tips will help you e-file an Application to Extend or Change Status, Form I-539, in USCIS ELIS.

  1. Email Address: The email address field is case sensitive. Once validated, the email address you enter during the set up process cannot be changed until you submit a benefit request.
  2. PDF Display: Occasionally, the PDF may display as a gray screen. Until this is corrected in a future release, press the F5 key to show the PDF and remove the gray screen.
  3. Save Often: USCIS ELIS does not automatically save all data entered into the system. Please save often and after you complete each screen.
  4. Time Out Alert: Displays after 5 minutes of inactivity. If USCIS ELIS times out, you may lose any unsaved entries and will need to log back into USCIS ELIS to complete your request.
  5. Complete All Fields: Some fields in USCIS ELIS are marked with a red asterisk (*) indicating the information is “Required.”  Other fields are not marked as “Required,” but the information may be needed to properly decide your benefit request. If fields are left blank, USCIS may send you a Request for Evidence (RFE) asking for more information. This may delay the decision.
  6. Delay in Display: Large files may cause a delay in displaying the next screen.
  7. Punctuation Characters: Do not use special characters when entering data into USCIS ELIS. Only alphanumeric characters (A-Z, 0-9), hyphens (-), commas (,), and apostrophes (‘) are allowed. USCIS ELIS currently does not accept certain characters, such as a period or dot (.).
  8. Postal Code: Do not enter spaces in the Postal Code Field.
  9. Apt. or Suite #: Do not enter spaces in the Apartment (Apt.) or Suite # fields.
  10. Representative Account Set up: Attorneys and accredited representatives must complete the account set up process in one session. Do not exit USCIS ELIS until you have completed the account set up process or you will have to restart from the beginning. If the system validated your email address before you completed your account set up, you must use a different email address to create a new account record.
  11. View of Decision: Attorneys and accredited representatives can only see the final decision on a closed or decided case by selecting the “Notices” tab to review a PDF.
  12. Mailing Documents:  If necessary, USCIS allows applicants to mail in supporting documents. Applicants are encouraged to submit additional documents/evidence electronically in USCIS ELIS.  NOTE: Mailing in documents to support a benefit request filed in USCIS ELIS will add to the time it takes to process your benefit request. If you must mail documents to USCIS, please send them to:

    Vermont Service Center
    Attn: USCIS ELIS
    75 Lower Welden Street
    St. Albans, VT 05479Please include your name, your USCIS ELIS Account ID number and your USCIS ELIS case receipt number (the letters IOE+10 digits) on the cover of any supporting documents.

Additional help

Requesting Benefits for Using USCIS ELIS

Frequently Asked Questions

Toll-Free Telephone: 1-800-375-5283 or 1-800-767-1833 (TDD).



Last updated: 09/17/2012