Form I-539: Application to extend a Visitor Visa
- Fill out Form I-539, Extension of a Non-Immigrant Visa
- Include a written statement explaining your reasons for an extension.
- Provide supporting documents to prove that your extended stay is temporary
- Include copies of return air-tickets
- Provide a copy of your I-94
- Show financial independence and proof that you will not become a public charge in the U.S.
Full Answer
How long can a visitor visa be extended for?
Visitor visas have been extended by two months from date of expiry for those: who hold a temporary visitor visa that expires between 19 February 2021 and 31 March 2021 inclusive. The extension is automatic. There is no fee. The extension does not apply to COVID-19 short term visitor visas.
How to extend visitor's visa in USA?
Documents required for the US visa extension:
- Completed I-539 Form (PDF) Or File Online ( I-539 Online) If you decide to e-file, follow these tips and information on how to submit supporting documents. ...
- An application stating the reason for the requested extension. ...
- Proof of financial support during this extended stay.
- Copy of your return tickets as a proof of your temporary stay intentions.
Can a tourist extend temporary visitor visa?
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 do I write a visa extension letter?
- Method 1 of 3: Following Formal Letter Writing Conventions. Prepare a header section. The date should go in the upper right corner of the page. ...
- Method 2 of 3: Crafting the Content of the Letter. Write the letter as soon as you can. ...
- Method 3 of 3: Sending the Letter to the Recipient. Make or save a copy of your letter. ...
Can you extend your visitors 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.
How long does it take for visitor visa extension?
The processing time for the applications ranges from 100 days – 115 days.
How much is visitor visa extension fee?
a $370Visitor Visa Extension Fee – There is a $370 filing fee for Form I-539. The additional biometrics service fee is $85.
What is the process of visa extension?
As a visa applicant, you have to pay a visa application fee when you apply for a new visa or renew it. The fees varies depending on the type of nonimmigrant visa. You are also required to fill DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application form. You have to save the confirmation page after your fill out the form.
How many times can I apply for visitor visa extension?
Could I try for a third visa extension form, or will it be automatically refused? There is no statutory limit on the number of times a person can extend visitor status. Instead, the officer will consider the history of the applicant, the purpose of the visit, and whether there is a valid reason to continue visiting.
What happens if my visa extension is denied?
If the response is a denial, and your I-94 has expired, the USCIS generally allows you 30 days to depart the U.S. starting from the date on the letter notifying you of their decision to deny your extension. If you do not depart within 30 days, you will be considered deportable.
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 you extend B2 visa twice?
Usually, an extension will be given for the duration you ask and give justification for. However, the maximum duration for an extension you can ask for is 6 months. Also, you cannot apply for a visitor visa extension as many times as you want. The maximum you can stay on a B1/B2 visa is 1 year.
How much does it cost to extend B2 visa?
$370. You and each co-applicant must also pay an $85 biometric services fee.
Can I renew my tourist visa before it expires?
Do I need to apply for a new visa after my current visa expires or can I apply in advance? 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.
Can I extend my visa after it expires?
Renewing a Visa You can be in the U.S. beyond the expiration of the visa stamp, so long as your immigration status and I-94 record of arrival remain valid.
Can I renew my visa 2 months before it expires?
The time limit to renew an expired residence visas is 30 days from the date of expiry.
Can I leave Canada while waiting for visitor visa extension?
Can I travel outside Canada and be able to return? Yes. You can leave Canada and return as long as your visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is still valid. If your visitor visa or eTA is expired, you must apply for and receive a new one before you leave.
How long does it take to extend B2 visa?
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.
Can you stay in the US while waiting for visa extension?
Further, once your original nonimmigrant status expires, even though you will generally be allowed to remain in the U.S. while your extension of stay application is pending, you will not be deemed to be in any new nonimmigrant status until such time as we may approve your change of status application.
Can I stay in Canada while waiting for extension?
If your status expires If you apply to extend your stay in Canada before the date you're supposed to leave, you can legally stay in Canada until a decision is made on your application. In this situation, you have maintained your status.
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 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 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 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.
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.
What happens if I don't bring my ASC appointment notices?
If you do not bring all ASC appointment notices to your biometrics appointment, you must attend all subsequent ASC biometrics appointments or risk possible denial of your other I-539 applications due to abandonment. See 8 CFR 103.2 (b) (13) (ii).
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 ...
How to apply for a visitor record
In most cases, you must apply online to extend your stay as a visitor (get a visitor record).
Applying online
When you apply online, we get your application instantly, which can help us process your application faster. If you already applied on paper, you don’t have to resubmit your application online.
How applying online helps you
No courier fees or mail delivery time – we get your application instantly.