- 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.
Can a B2 visa be extended?
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 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 B2 visa stay more than 6 months?
How long can I stay in the U.S. on the B-1 / B-2 visa? When you enter the U.S., a customs officer will give you authorization to stay in the U.S. for up to six months. If you'd like to stay for longer, you may be able to apply to extend this for up to one year.
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 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 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.
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 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.
How many times can I enter the US on a B2 visa?
You may travel to the U.S. as many times as you like during the period of validity of the visa. There is no restriction on the number of times you may visit.
How can I stay in US 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 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 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.
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 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.
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
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 happens if you file after the 45 window?
Even if you file after you're within the 45 window, get that application in, and it will extend your stay while it's pending . If you file after your B-1 or B-2 status has expired, you are considered "out of status.".
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 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.
What is a temporary visa?
These temporary visas allow people to enter the country and temporarily reside there on a business or tourism permit.
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.
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.
How long after lockdown can you book tickets?
Alternatively, if your country is in a formal lockdown, book the tickets for a few weeks after the formal lockdown ends. Don’t schedule them to close to the end as the lockdown could possibly be extended.
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.
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 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.
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.
Do you have to have a formal application for extension?
The extension process still demands a formal application to be done and the application requires specific documents.
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.
