how to file extension for b2 visa

1. Get form I-539. You need to complete Form I-539 to request an extension of your B-2 tourist visa. ...
2. Complete the form. You should complete your form by using a typewriter or printing neatly using black ink.
3. 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.
4. Move quickly. You should file at least 45 days before your visa expires. [6] Accordingly, don’t delay.
5. 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 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 long does it take to process 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 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.

Can we extend B2 visa stay?

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 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.

What are good reasons to extend B2 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 long does it take to get I-539 approved?

The processing time for Form I-539 varies depending on which service center handles your petition. Most I-539 petitions are handled in the Vermont Service Center, which typically takes about 12 – 16 months—though it can be as short as 9 months for individuals seeking an extension of stay as a U or T nonimmigrant.

What happens if B2 extension is denied?

The USCIS cautions that if you are refused permission to extend your stay, you may encounter problems with the consulate 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.

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.

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.

Can I travel while I-539 is pending?

If you travel abroad while a change of status application (I-539) is pending, USCIS considers the application abandoned and will reject it. You will need to go to a U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for a new visa to re-enter.

Can I file I-539 myself?

Conditions to File Form I-539 Online. You may apply online to extend or change your nonimmigrant status if you meet the following conditions. You are applying: Only for yourself, without co-applicants; and.

Is biometrics required for B2 visa extension?

Starting March 11, dependents of employment-based nonimmigrants, as well as B-1/B-2 visitors, some F-1 students and certain other nonimmigrants, will be required to appear in person for fingerprinting and photographs when applying for a change or extension of status on USCIS Form I-539.

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 I stay in US with B2 visa?

6 monthsB1 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 B1 B2 visa after it expires?

The B1/B2 visa renewal requirements are simpler than ever and eligible travelers with B1/B2 visas that expired during the past 24 months can renew their visa online without an embassy interview.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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

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 long can a B2 visa be extended?

USCIS Immigration Inspector will normally grant B2 visitors a six month period of authorized stay. When you apply for entry to the U.S., you will be required to explain to a USCIS Immigration Inspector the nature and purpose of your visit so that the Inspector can determine the appropriate length of stay. A. B2 Tourist Visa Extension.

What form do I need to file for residency?

You must file the request using Form I-539 and prove that you have adequate financial resources to continue staying in the U.S. and that you are maintaining residency abroad.

What documents are needed to establish your personal status?

Documentation establishing your personal status such as marriage certificates, letters confirming your employment, bank statements, and pay slips etc.

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.”

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 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.

What is VisaExpress?

VisaExpress specializes in assisting visa applicants throughout the whole process.

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:

How to Apply for a US Tourist Visa?

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

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.

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.

How to check status of extension application?

You can check the status of your application as well as the processing times using your case number. You can also call their customer service center at 1-800-375-5283 to ask about your case.

How long can I stay in the US with an extension?

Things to Remember When Filing A Visitor Visa Extension 1 As far as possible, file your extension application 45 days before your stay mentioned in the I-94 expires. 2 You can stay in the US for 240 days after the expiry date on your I-94 if you have proof of an I-539 application. 3 The 13-digit case number and receipt notice by USCIS acts as proof of an existing I-539 document in process. 4 Spouse and unmarried children under 21 years can be included on one Form I-539 5 In order to qualify, you should not have violated your visa status in any way and not be a potential public charge.

How long before I-94 expires can I file for extension?

As far as possible, file your extension application 45 days before your stay mentioned in the I-94 expires.

When should you not have accessed monetary state benefits?

You should not have accessed any monetary state benefits or supplementary income form the State after February 11, 2020,

Who Is Eligible For An Extension?

Which Visa Types Are Not Eligible For An Extension?

Extension Application Fees

• 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.

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What to Expect After You File