how to apply b2 visa extension

How to apply for B2 visa extension (during COVID-19 pandemic)

• 1. Go to “Extend Your Stay” page of USCIS https://www.uscis.gov/visit-united-states/extend-your-stay ...
• 2. Create a new account at USCIS if you don’t have one already
• 3. Select “File a form online”
• 4. Select I-539 form
• 5. Choose Visa Type and Application Type ...
• 6. Select the date until extension is requested ...
• 7. Applicant’s physical address abroad ...
• 8. What is your A-Number ...

Full Answer

How long can you extend a B2 visa?

“B1 and B2 visas are usually issued for a term of 10 years. Each visit may last up to six months, although some categories of visitors may apply to extend their visit for an additional 6 months.

Can I get an extension on a B2 visa?

Yes, your B2 Visa can be extended as long as you meet the requirements listed below. When to extend B2 visa? USCIS recommends applying for a B2 visa extension at least 45 days before the expiration date of your visa. You can see your expiration date on the bottom right corner of your Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record.

How much is a B-2 extension visa?

B2 visa Extension Fee. Extending a B2 Visa has a $370 filing fee for Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. There may be a biometric fee of $85, depending on the type of visa you are on. Each co-applicant should also pay an $85 biometric fee.

How can I extend my B1/B2 visa?

According to Path2usa, B1 and B2 visa holders can extend their stay if: You have a valid legitimate reason to request for visa extension, under the visa category. You were lawfully admitted into the United States with a non-immigrant visa Your non-immigrant US visa status remained valid You have not committed any crimes that make you ineligible for a visa You have not violated the conditions of your admission to the USA More items...

How can I extend my B2 visa?

If you want to extend your stay in the United States, you must file a request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status before your authorized stay expires.

What is a good reason to extend B2 visitor visa?

Typical reasons for extending B2 visa status includes continuation of tourism activities, social meetings with friends and relatives, and participating in social organizations and functions. In some cases it is prudent to change status from another nonimmigrant visa category to B1 or B2 status.

Can we apply B2 extension online?

You'll need to: Fill out and complete form I-539. You can do this online, by the mail, or in-person at a USCIS office. If you file online, you'll need to understand how to submit attachments of the document you'll need. File an application (letter) stating the reasons for requesting a visa extension.

How long does it take to get B2 visa extension?

between 2.5 to 8 monthsTypically it takes anywhere between 2.5 to 8 months to extend B2 Visa. After you file your Form I-539 with the USCIS Lockbox facility, a notice of receipt will be sent to your address within 4 to 6 weeks.

How many times can I extend my B2 visa?

B1 Visa Extension and B2 Visa Extension You are allowed to extend tourist visa and extend your business date if you are B1 or B2 holder. The typical amount of time granted to a B visa holder is one to six months. The maximum amount of time you can extend on a B-1 visa is up to 6 months, for a total of 1 year.

What happens if B2 extension is denied?

If the extension is granted, lawful presence will relate back to the timely filing of I-539. If the extension is denied, the applicant will be normally given a period of 30 days to leave the U.S. voluntarily.

How much does it cost to extend B2 visa?

Copy of your return tickets as a proof of your temporary stay intentions. Visitor visa (B1-B2) extension fee is $370. If you are applying for spouse and children, they are included in the same fee. There may be a biometric fee of $85 which can vary based on the type of visa you are on.

Is return ticket mandatory for B2 visa extension?

USCIS generally will want to see that you have made arrangement to leave the country. Airline tickets are helpful but not strictly required. A refundable ticket is better than no ticket at all.

How long does it take for I-539 to be approved?

I-539 petitions sent to the California Service Center take 1 – 5 months to process, while petitions sent to the Nebraska Service Center take 6 – 8 months. Petitions handled by the National Benefits Center have the best processing times with a turnaround time of as little as one week.

Can I renew my B1 B2 visa without interview?

This option can be used by Argentine citizens or residents who possess a valid 10-year B1/B2 visa or one that has expired within the past 12 months.

Can I renew my B2 visa while in the US?

You cannot apply for renewal if you are still in the US. Your visa expired between less than 48 months ago. Sometimes visas that expired more than 48 months ago are also eligible.

Can I renew my B1 B2 visa before it expires?

You do not have to wait until your current visa expires. You can apply for a new visa even if your current visa is valid.

How do I write a letter requesting an extension of stay?

I am requesting an extension of stay on behalf of my [insert visitor/s]. Unfortunately, due to my employment obligations, the [age, health, disability] of [insert visitor] we have not been able visit all of the tourist attractions intended in the allotted time frame previously granted.

Can I renew my B1 B2 visa before it expires?

You do not have to wait until your current visa expires. You can apply for a new visa even if your current visa is valid.

How long can you stay in US on B1 B2 visa?

B1 and B2 visa holders are allowed to stay in the US for up to 6 months at a time. Each visa application will be assessed on its own merit, and the adjudicating officer may grant a stay of less than 6 months – this is the maximum period for an initial stay under the B classification.

Can I renew my B2 visa while in the US?

You cannot apply for renewal if you are still in the US. Your visa expired between less than 48 months ago. Sometimes visas that expired more than 48 months ago are also eligible.

When will USCIS stop extending nonimmigrant status?

On or after March 9, 2021, applicants and petitioners should not provide information required solely by the Public Charge Final Rule.

How to pay for USCIS lockbox?

When filing at a USCIS Lockbox facility, you may also pay by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Is USCIS revising form instructions?

USCIS is in the process of revising form instructions to reflect the changes made by this policy update. Any revisions to the form instructions will be made in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. Alert: On Nov. 2, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois vacated the Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds final ...

Do you have to file a biometrics fee for NATO?

Individuals changing into or out of A-1, A-2, A-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, G-5, NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6 status are not required to submit either the filing fee or the biometric services fee.

How long before I-94 expires can I apply for a B2 visa?

You should do so at least 42 days before the expiration of your I-94 card. Yet, you are not allowed to apply within three months of arrival in the US. You should submit the following documents when applying for a B2 visa extension: Completed form I-539. Your valid passport.

How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa?

To apply for a US Tourist visa you must go through these simple steps :

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for a Tourist Visa?

To be eligible for a US Tourist visa, the purpose of your visit should be one of the following:

Can I Get a Green Card With a US Tourist Visa?

It is very difficult to get permanent residence or a Green Card if you are a tourist in the United States. Since the B2 visa is a temporary visa, you must prove that you will return to your home country after it expires in order to get it. Also, you are not allowed to look for a job or start studying, which means the easiest paths to a Green Card may not be available for you.

What is VisaExpress?

VisaExpress specializes in assisting visa applicants throughout the whole process.

How much does it cost to get a US visa?

The application fee for the US Tourist Visa is $160. Depending on your country’s relationship with the US, you might have to pay other fees too. These are called visa issuance fees and they vary from country to country. After making the payments, you need to keep the receipts and attach them to your file of required documents.

What is transit visa?

A Transit Visa to USA is a permit to make a shortstop in the US, in order to reach your destination country. The US transit visas allow you to enter the US and stay for a layover. Afterward, when your planned flight or ship leaves for your next destination, you will have to leave the US.

What to do if your visa is denied?

If the application is denied, you’ll be required to depart the country immediately and apply for a new visa from your home country. Call our Immigration team at (480) 626-2388 to discuss your case today.

What happens if a visa is denied?

If the application is denied, the visa-holder will be required to depart the United States immediately to avoid violating the terms of their visa.

How much does it cost to file an I-539?

For most applicants, there is a $370 fee to file Form I-539. However, the government waives the standard fee for those who qualify for an A1, A2, G1, G2, G3, or G4 extension. In addition to the standard filing fee, some applicants will be required to submit a biometric services fee of $85.

Can a non-immigrant get an extension?

While most non-immigrant visa-holders are eligible to apply for an extension, there are some exceptions. Generally speaking, a traveler is not eligible to apply for an extension if he or she was admitted to the United States under one of the following visas: C – Individuals in-transit through the United States.

Can an individual be ineligible for a visa if he hasn't committed a crime?

The individual hasn’t committed any crimes that would make him or her ineligible for a visa

When should I apply for Visa extension?

USCIS recommend that you apply to extend your stay at least 45 days before your authorized stay expires, but the USCIS Service Center must receive your application by the day your authorized stay expires.

What happens if I get an extension for my visa?

If your application for an extension is approved you will be issued a replacement I-94 with a new departure date. Make a copy of this approval letter and I-94 and keep into your record, these will be useful for future entry to USA. You should carry these when you make next US trip or appear for a fresh US visa next time.

How long before your USCIS authorization expires can you extend your stay?

Check for the dates online to determine when your authorized stay expires. USCIS recommends that you apply to extend your stay at least 45 days before your authorized stay expires.

How to extend I-94 visa?

If you want to extend your I-94 date or extend US visitor visa stay in the United States, you must file a request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Non-immigrant Status before your authorized stay expires. If you remain in the United States longer than authorized, you may be barred from returning and/or you may be removed (deported) from the United States. Check for the dates online to determine when your authorized stay expires. USCIS recommends that you apply to extend your stay at least 45 days before your authorized stay expires.

What happens if you get denied a visa extension?

If your visa extension application rejected or denied, you will receive a letter that will tell you why the application was denied. You will then be required to leave USA immediately.

What happens if you are refused permission to extend your stay?

The CIS cautions that if you are refused permission to extend your stay, you may encounter problems with Consulates overseas the next time you apply for a U.S. visa because their computer records will indicate that you did not leave the U.S. within the time frame of your initial period of entry.

How long is a US visitor visa valid for?

These are generally issued for a period of six months, but an additional maximum extension of 6 months can be granted based on the USCIS approval.

How to apply for an extension on a visitor visa?

You can apply for an extension of your visitor visa by doing the following things. Filing a Form I-539, providing a written statement containing all the details of the restrictions that apply, and supplying the listed supporting documents.

How to file for a visitor visa extension?

The first step in filing for your visitor visa extension is to fill out the Form I-539, Extension of a Non-Immigrant Visa. You can download the form here and check out tips on how to fill out the Form I-539 here. At this stage, it would be best to file your Form I-539 online as many of the physical USCIS branches have temporarily closed.

What to do if your visa has expired?

If your visitor visa has already expired, it is probably your best option to contact an immigration attorney to find out what your options are. Once you’ve filed for the extension, you don’t have to worry if your stay expires before you receive your extension.

How long to file for an extension on I-94?

One of the most important things to remember is to file your application for extension on time! You don’t want to be caught in a situation where you’ve already overstayed your welcome and don’t have an application for an extension in place! File your extension at least 45 days prior to the date of the required departure listed in your I-94. If your visitor visa has already expired, it is probably your best option to contact an immigration attorney to find out what your options are.

What do you need to include in a letter to request an extension?

You must include a written statement (in the form of a letter), which explains your reasons for requesting the extension. Here you can explain, for example, that your country has closed its borders due to COVID-19 and that you will not be allowed to travel back until the restrictions are lifted. You can find an example of the format of this letter here.

What to do after you file for an extension?

What to Do after Your File for Your Extension. After you’ve filed your application to extend your visitor’s visa, all you can really do is wait. You can use your 13-digit case number to check the status of your case and processing times. You can check the status of your case online.

Can I return to my home country after an extension?

Over and above the reasons for your required extension, the USCIS also wants to see things like the fact that you will return to your home country once you can. Or that you won’t be a financial burden (known as a Public Charge) to the country. To show this, include the below listed supporting documents with your Form I-539.

How to extend stay in the US?

If you remain in the United States longer than authorized, you may be barred from returning and/or you may be removed (deported) from the United States. Check the date in the lower right-hand corner of your Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, to determine the date your authorized stay expires. We recommend that you apply to extend your stay at least 45 days before your authorized stay expires.

How long before I-94 expires can I extend my stay?

We recommend that you apply to extend your stay at least 45 days before your authorized stay expires. You may apply to extend your stay if:

Can you be ineligible for a visa if you have not committed a crime?

You have not committed any crimes that make you ineligible for a visa

How long do you have to apply for an extension visa?

The USCIS recommends that you do your visitor visa extension application at least 45 days before your initial departure date. The USCIS service centers must receive your application before your authorized stay expires. This helps you to get a case number before your departure date and allows you an extra 240 days to stay i the U.S. (or at least until your case has come to a decision).

How much does it cost to get a visa extension?

Include payment – The visa extension filing fee is $370 (for you and your family included in the application) but there may be an extra $85 biometric fee involved depending on your current type of visa.

What is an S nonimmigrant visa holder?

An S nonimmigrant visa holder (an informant on terrorism or organized crime including their dependents).

What to do after filing I-539?

After you’ve filed your I-539 there isn’t much you can do to influence the USCIS decision process but you can remain vigilant about your situation. Check the status of your case online on a regular basis and comply with the USCIS in the adjudication process.

What happens if you are denied a visa?

If your application is denied you must leave the U.S. immediately to avoid any removal procedures. If you don’t leave immediately and steps are taken against you, it could influence your ability to enter the U.S. again in the future.

Do you need copies of your immigration documents?

Keep to the dates on your immigration documents and always have copies with you to serve as proof for your legal stay in the U.S.

Can you get a visa if you have committed a crime?

You have not committed any crimes that could remove your eligibility for the visa.

Who Is Eligible For An Extension?

• Travelers with a B-2 visa aren’t the only visa-holders who are eligible for an extension. Anyone with one of the following visas may be eligible to apply for an extension: 1. A-3 – Attendants, personal employees, and servants of diplomatic and other government officials and their immediate family 2. B-1 & B-2 – Visitors for pleasure or business 3. ...

See more on jacksonwhitelaw.com

Which Visa Types Are Not Eligible For An Extension?

Extension Application Fees

What to Expect After You File