How to File a U.S. Visitor Visa Extension
- 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.
How do I apply for a visa extension?
Extension of Stay. If you came to the United States on a nonimmigrant visa and you want to extend your stay you must apply with USCIS before your authorized stay, denoted on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94, expires.
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 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.
Can I get a visa extension?
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. As long as you stay in the US legally and do not ...
How much does it cost to extend your tourist visa?
a $370Visitor Visa Extension Fee – There is a $370 filing fee for Form I-539. The additional biometrics service fee is $85.
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 long can you extend a tourist visa?
If you file your extension request on time, you may be permitted to stay in the US for up to an additional 240 days depending on the reasons behind your request and other factors.
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 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.
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 long can I stay in the US on a tourist visa?
six monthsWhen 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 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 is the fee for extension of stay?
$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.
How do I write a visa extension letter?
I am writing to request you to kindly renew the Visa. As an employee at (Company/Institute Name), I respect my employment position and I, therefore, request you for the renewal of my visa. I hope that you understand that I would need to know your response of the renewal before my contract expiring date.
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.
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.
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 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,
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 I file an I-539 without a signature?
Remember to sign your application. Any unsigned applications are immediately denied. There are some useful filing tips for Form I-539 on the USCIS website. Follow the guidelines and file your application.
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.
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.
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 before your stay expires can you file for an extension?
If possible, file your extension application 45 days before your stay is set to expire.
How many digits are in a USCIS extension?
Once the extension application is submitted, USCIS will give you a receipt with a 13-digit case number.
Can I extend my B-1 visa?
If you need to extend your I-94 date or U.S. visitor visa stay in the United States , you must file an extension of stay with the U.S.
How to Extend B2 visa?
A B2 visa can be extended by filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status with the USCIS.
How long does it take to receive an I-539?
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. It is just a notice of confirmation from USCIS that they received your application and it will also include approximate processing time and your case status number.
Can B2 Visas be extended?
Yes, your B2 Visa can be extended as long as you meet the requirements listed below.
