Is It Permissible to File Both Online and Paper I-539 for H4 Application?

USA H4
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1

Hi Team,

I’m wondering if it’s acceptable to file two I-539 applications for my wife’s H4 extension—one online and one by paper.

Her current H4 status expires on 8/11/2025. We’re waiting on my I-140 approval (expected next week) so we can file her I-765 together. However, if we only submit the paper I-539/I-765 package, there’s no guarantee the receipt notice will be issued before 8/11.

Our main concern is that the paper filing might not be received or accepted in time—if it’s delayed or rejected for any reason, she could fall out of status. In contrast, the online filing provides an immediate receipt, giving more assurance of her authorized stay.

We’ve noticed that paper filings (with I-765) at the California center are processed in about 3.5 months, while online filings, typically routed to Nebraska, may take around 7.5 months.

Would it be acceptable to file both online and paper I-539s in this scenario to balance timely receipt and faster processing?

Thank you!

2

There is no use of filing both online and paper. That’s waste of money.

When you file by mail, the receipt date is same as date USCIS receives the mail irrespective of when they issue the paper notice.

4

They usually deny the duplicate application. But, you can never guess which one will be denied as it depends on where it is sent and who is working on the case.