- Get form I-539. You need to complete Form I-539 to request an extension of your B-2 tourist visa. ...
- Complete the form. You should complete your form by using a typewriter or printing neatly using black ink.
- Use extra sheets if necessary. In order to provide complete and accurate information, you may need more space than what is supplied on the form.
- Move quickly. You should file at least 45 days before your visa expires. [6] Accordingly, don’t delay.
- Get proof of "extraordinary circumstances" if your visa has expired. You can still apply for an extension even if your visa has expired.
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 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...
Can I extend my B2 status for another 6 months?
You can change your B-1 or B-2 visa to a green card. Both of these visas are usually valid for 6 months, and you may be able to extend that time by an additional 6 months. During that time, you may be eligible to apply for an EB-1 green card if you fall into one of these categories: Extraordinary ability.
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.
How many times can I extend my stay on B2 visa?
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.
Can I extend my stay on 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.
Can B2 visa extension be denied?
When you apply for a visitor visa extension, it can either be approved or denied. If you would like to leave the U.S. before you get the receipt or before your application is approved (or denied), you can simply leave the U.S. as normal.
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 much does it cost to extend B2 visa?
$370. You and each co-applicant must also pay an $85 biometric services fee.
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 long does it take to extend B2 visa?
B2 Visitor Visa Processing Times While general case processing delays have gone up by 100%, extension of stay and change of status requests now take anywhere from 4 months to 22 months to process.
How long can I stay in US 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.
Can B1 B2 visa be converted to green card?
A B-1/B-2 visa does not grant permanent resident status — it is a temporary visa – but the holder can apply for a green card. The maximum amount of time issued for a B1/B2 visa is 180 days. This visa allows for multiple entries into the United States.
Can I extend my stay in US after 90 days?
It is possible to extend your stay past the allowed 90 days in the Visa Waiver Program but only in case of an emergency. Keep in mind that any extension is not to exceed 30 days.
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.
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.
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 much does it cost to extend B2 visa?
a $370Extending 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.
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...
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 to extend B2 visa?
Your non-immigrant visa status should be valid before or by the time you submit the Form I-539 for B2 visa extension. Your passport validity should remain unexpired for the duration of your extended stay. You are sure to exit the United States once the extended period of stay is over. You need to furnish evidence for financial support required during your extended B2 visa stay. You have neither committed nor been accused of any crimes during your first term of stay on a US visitor visa.
What is a B2 visa?
B2 is a nonimmigrant US visitor visa for pleasure or medical treatment in the United States. Parents, siblings and other family members of US-based Indians enter USA on B2 visa. Generally, USA visitor visas are valid for a period of 6 months, which can be extended for another six months with the USCIS approval.
How to check status of B2 extension?
You can use the receipt number to check the status of your application for the US B2 visa extension. You can also call 1-800-375-5283 to contact the National Customer Service Center. Upon approval of your application for the visitor visa extension, you will receive an approval letter and a new I-94 with a new departure date. ...
What is a B-2 visa?
A visitor’s period of stay is usually short term under the B-2 Visa category and the visit purpose is leisure based involving activities like vacations, touring schools, healthcare related visits and visits to family and friends.
How long do I have to file an I-539?
You can find the instructions to Form I-539 here and the form itself here. You should file Form I-539 at least 45 days before your duration of stay expires.
Can I send an I-539 to an invalid passport?
A valid passport is required, if in case your passport is invalid you will be required to submit a written explanation along with Form I-539. If you fail to complete all the information on Form I-539, it may result in your request for extension being delayed or denied. You can send your Form I-539 via E-filing or filed by mail. If you are submitting Form I-539 and the supporting documents by mail, you will need to address them as follows:
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 happens if I get denied an extension?
However, if your extension is denied, you will be considered out of status immediately, and your visa stamp will be void. You must leave the U.S. immediately as there is no grace period. In that case, your stay beyond the I-94 expiration date will be considered an “unlawful presence” for the purposes of inadmissibility.
What happens if I get an extension for I-94?
until the new I-94 date. However, if your extension is denied, you will be considered out of status immediately, and your visa stamp will be void. You must leave the U.S. immediately as there is no grace period.
How long before I-94 expires?
You should apply at least 45 days before your authorized stay (as per the passport stamp or the date on your Form I-94) expires. The duration for which the person can stay depends upon the expiration date of the I-94, and NOT on the expiration date of the visa stamp. The date on the visa stamp is irrelevant.
Is the length of a stay reasonable?
The length of the stay was reasonable. You have not done anything else to violate your non-immigrant status (visitors cannot work in the U.S.) You are still a non-immigrant. That means you or someone on your behalf has not filed an immigrant visa petition.
Can I stay on an I-94?
The duration for which the person can stay depends upon the expiration date of the I-94, and NOT on the expiration date of the visa stamp. The date on the visa stamp is irrelevant.
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:
