- Obtain a copy of USCIS Form I-539. If you are eligible for a B-1 visa extension, you will need to file a request with USCIS.
- Provide your personal information. When it comes time to fill out Form I-539, you will start by completing Part 1.
- Indicate the type of application you are filing. Part 2 of your application requires you to check a series of boxes telling USCIS what type of application you are ...
- Provide any required additional information. The final pieces of your application ask you to provide USCIS with some information that will help them process your application.
- Sign the form. Part 5 of Form I-539 asks you to certify that you understand the form you are filling out.
- Attach your original Form I-94. If you do not have your original I-94, you can obtain a copy from the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
- Create a written statement. As a part of this written statement, you are going to have to prove the legitimacy of your extended stay.
Full Answer
How long can a B-1 visa be extended?
Foreign nationals in the U.S. in a valid B-1 status may be granted extensions of temporary stay in increments of not more than six months each. To seek an extension of stay in B-1 classification, USCIS Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, must be submitted to USCIS before the end of the stay given in the I-94.
How can I extend my B-2 visa?
If you wish to extend your stay (for up to 6 months), without departing from the United States, you are required to submit a Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Non-immigrant Status along with the relevant supporting documents. To know more about B-2 Visa extension, please refer to our blog post about the topic.
How long is the period of stay for a B2 visa?
B-2 Visa. Period of stay is the same as in case of B-1 visa – 6 months is the maximum. If you wish to extend your stay (for up to 6 months), without departing from the United States, you are required to submit a Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Non-immigrant Status along with the relevant supporting documents.
When should I apply for an extension of 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: You were lawfully admitted into the United States with a nonimmigrant visa Your nonimmigrant visa status remains valid
How can I extend my stay in USA with B-1 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.
Can B-1 visa be extended beyond 6 months?
Admission into the United States in B-1 visa status is usually granted for up to 6 months to individuals travelling for a short-term, business-related stay. It may, however, be possible for you to submit an application to USCIS while you're in the USA to extend your US B1 visa stay for a further maximum of 6 months.
How long does it take to extend B-1 visa?
6 monthsWhat is a B-1/B-2 Visa extension? The process is usually given for 6 months. The extension can be made up to 1 day before the visa expires as long as you send the USCIS a Fedex package and make sure you save the receipt with the tracking number and date.
How much does it cost to extend B-1 visa?
$370Visitor 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.
How many days can I stay in U.S. with B1 visa?
180 daysThe maximum amount of time issued for a B1/B2 visa is 180 days. This visa allows for multiple entries into the United States.
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.
How many times can you extend B1 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.
Can I renew my B1 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.
Can I renew my B1 B2 visa without interview?
The US Interview Waiver Program (IWP) allows eligible individuals to renew their visas without attending another interview. If you do not meet the requirements, you will have to schedule a second one.
How can I stay in U.S. longer than 3 months?
You must apply for a visa (B2 visa) if you want to stay in the U.S. for more than 90 days, no matter what the reason. You must apply for a visa (B1 visa) if you are traveling to the U.S. for employment or business purposes involving remuneration, even if not staying longer than 90 days.
How long can I stay in U.S. with 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.
Do I need a lawyer to file I 539?
So they go on the internet, come across Form I-539, Application to Extend Stay. Without consulting with an immigration lawyer, they fill out the I-539 themselves and file it with USCIS. The I-539s are routinely denied and then the person is considered to be out of status and to have accrued unlawful presence.
When to File Your Change Or Extension Request
You should file your request as soon as you learn you might need to change your nonimmigrant classification or stay in the U.S. for a longer period...
What You Will Need to Show to Extend Your Stay Or Change Your Status
To extend your stay or change your status, you will need to show much of the same evidence that you did when you initially applied for your B-1 or...
Changing Status: How to Submit The Appropriate Application and Fees
To change your status, you cannot simply submit Form I-539 and wait for your application to be approved. You must also meet all of the eligibility...
Do Not Enroll in Classes Or accept Employment Until Your Status Change Request Is Approved
If you are filing Form I-539 to change to F or M nonimmigrant visa classification, be aware that you cannot enroll in classes until your status cha...
What If Your Status Expires Before My Application Is approved?
If you have filed Form I-539 to extend your visa or change your status and the date of your authorized stay on your I-94 Arrival/Departure record h...
Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Travelers May Not Extend Stay Except For Emergency
The advice in this article is for people who actually obtained a visa in order to visit the United States. If you traveled to the U.S. using the Vi...
B1 visa extension requirements
There are a number of eligibility criteria you will need to meet to make a successful extension application.
How to extend your B-1 visa
To make your application, you have to file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Non-immigrant Status, to request the extension of your I-94 form. Importantly, you must file this document before your current visa validity period expires.
When should you apply to extend your B1 visa?
The main requirement is to complete and file form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Non-immigrant Status, before your authorization expires.
What happens if you stay beyond your I-94 date?
Staying in the US past your visa expiry is likely to have consequences; you may even be deported and if you remain in the US for 180 days or more after your B status expires, you may be barred from applying for future immigration status.
Need assistance?
While the substantive requirements are generally the same as with the initial B-1 visa application, it will be important to ensure you meet the timing-requirements of applying for an extension to avoid any issues with overstaying or becoming out of status.
What does USCIS consider when granting an extension?
USCIS will consider all the circumstances surrounding the applicant’s situation, including current status, the reasons for extension and ties to the home country in deciding whether or not to grant the extension of the business visitor status. If USCIS decides that the circumstances indicate that an extension is not warranted, ...
What is considered abandonment of a visa application?
Departure from the U.S. while the properly filed non-frivolous extension of status application is pending is considered abandonment of the application. The period of time until the departure is considered a period of stay authorized by the Attorney General. It is important to keep a copy of the extension application and more importantly, the I-797 Notice of Action, Receipt Notice as evidence of the extension of status filing. This is especially important upon a subsequent trip to the U.S. or when applying for another visa as the receipt notice will serve as proof that the applicant did not overstay on that particular visit to the U.S.
How long does it take to get an extension for an I-94?
USCIS recommends that the extension application be filed at 45 days before the current stay exp ires.
Can I file an extension before the I-94 expires?
4. If the B-1 extension application is filed before the I-94 expires, there have been no violations of the terms of the B-1 status and the applicant has met the basic eligibility requirements, then the applicant can continue previously approved activities in the United States until the first of the following occurs:
Is the B-1 visa tough?
The US [B-1] Visa has always been a tough ride, and being denied a few times it makes it even worse. But thanks to Visa pro and their meticulous processing I was granted a Visa. I would like to thank you and all the people involved in making this a success. I would like to recommend Visapro to all those who seek peace of mind and hassle free Visa processing.”
Does an extension of status invalidate an I-94 card?
Denial of the extension of status request does not invalidate the I-94 card if it is still valid and there is still time remaining in the current I-94. In such cases, the I-94 still controls and departure should take place before it expires.
Can an extension of stay be denied?
If USCIS decides that the circumstances indicate that an extension is not warranted, an extension will be denied. If an extension of stay is granted, USCIS will also decide how long to extend the stay and will only grant up to the time that was requested on the extension application.
What form do I need to file to extend my stay?
If this is the case, you might be able to extend or change your lawful stay. To do so, you will need to file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
How long do you have to file a nonimmigrant visa?
for a longer period of time. USCIS recommends filing at least 45 days before your permitted stay expires. (The expiration date is shown on your Form I-94, which you can download from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website .)
What If Your Status Expires Before USCIS Approves the I-539?
If you have filed Form I-539 to extend your visa or change your status and the date of your authorized stay on your I-94 Arrival/Departure record has passed, don't panic. USCIS cannot place you in removal proceedings until your application has been decided upon.
What evidence does USCIS want?
Some examples of the types of evidence that USCIS will want to see are: documents showing the reason for your extended visit (such as medical records or a letter from your physician, police reports documenting an emergency, or letters from U.S. relatives who need you to remain longer than expected)
How to change status on I-539?
To change your status, you cannot simply submit Form I-539 and wait for your application to be approved. You must also meet all of the eligibility requirements for the new visa and submit the appropriate petition to USCIS. For example, if you are changing to change ...
What does it mean to have an extended absence letter?
a letter from your foreign employer stating that he or she is aware of your extended absence and that you will retain your position once you return.
What is the requirement to change to F-1?
For example, if you are changing to change to F-1 (academic student) or M-1 (vocational student) status, you must be accepted into a full-time program by a U.S. school and meet other requirements such as having a "prospective student" endorsement noted on your visa. For more information, see Application Process for an F-1 or M-1 Student Visa: Changing Status if Already in the U.S.
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 ...
What is a B2 visa?
The B2 Visa allows foreigners to make tourist trips to the US. This permission applies to the following scenarios:
What is a temporary visa?
These temporary visas allow people to enter the country and temporarily reside there on a business or tourism permit.
What form do I need to change my visa status?
Normally, to change the status of your visa or extend your residence permit with the current visa, the form that must be completed is I-539.
Why is USCIS delayed?
Most of the processes of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are delayed due to the Coronavirus, therefore, expert guidance is needed to cope with the situation of thousands of foreign visitors.
Can an extension request be denied?
The only way that an extension request can be denied is if the process and documents are not properly presented.
Why Extend Your B-1 and B-2 Visa With Us?
We focus on the personal statement, in which you explain the reason of your B-1/B-2 visa extension or change of status. We do visa extensions with care.
How long before B-2 visa expires?
The extension can be made up to 1 day before the visa expires as long as you send the USCIS a Fedex package and make sure you save the receipt with the tracking number and date. If the extension is submitted before the due date, the person who does the B-2 visa extension is safe and is not overstaying his or her tourist visa. ...
B-1 Temporary Business Visitor
You may be eligible for a B-1 visa if you will be participating in business activities of a commercial or professional nature in the United States, including, but not limited to:
Application Process
For information on applying for a B-1 visa, see the “Department of State” link.
Family of B-1 Visa Holders
Your spouse and children are not eligible for a dependent visa. Each of your dependents who will be accompanying or following to join you must apply separately for a B-2 visa and must follow the regulations for that visa.
Eligibility
Generally, you may be eligible to apply for an extension of your authorized period of stay if:
File Online
Not all nonimmigrants are able to file Form I-539 online at this time. You can check your eligibility on our website. If you are eligible, you may create a USCIS online account to file online and:
