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.
Full Answer
How long can a visitor visa be extended for?
Visitor visas have been extended by two months from date of expiry for those: who hold a temporary visitor visa that expires between 19 February 2021 and 31 March 2021 inclusive. The extension is automatic. There is no fee. The extension does not apply to COVID-19 short term visitor visas.
How to extend visitor's visa in USA?
Documents required for the US visa extension:
- Completed I-539 Form (PDF) Or File Online ( I-539 Online) If you decide to e-file, follow these tips and information on how to submit supporting documents. ...
- An application stating the reason for the requested extension. ...
- Proof of financial support during this extended stay.
- Copy of your return tickets as a proof of your temporary stay intentions.
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.
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 you extend your visitors 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.
How long does it take for visitor visa extension?
The processing time for the applications ranges from 100 days – 115 days.
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 much is visitor visa extension fee?
a $370Visitor Visa Extension Fee – There is a $370 filing fee for Form I-539. The additional biometrics service fee is $85.
How many times visit visa can be extended?
Note that you can only renew your visit visa for two times maximum. You will have a maximum of 60 days extension. If you happen to extend the visa on the last day, you will have to pay a fee of 100 AED.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
How much does it cost to extend B2 visa?
$370. You and each co-applicant must also pay an $85 biometric services fee.
Can you stay in the US while waiting for visa extension?
Further, once your original nonimmigrant status expires, even though you will generally be allowed to remain in the U.S. while your extension of stay application is pending, you will not be deemed to be in any new nonimmigrant status until such time as we may approve your change of status application.
Can I leave Canada while waiting for visitor visa extension?
Can I travel outside Canada and be able to return? Yes. You can leave Canada and return as long as your visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is still valid. If your visitor visa or eTA is expired, you must apply for and receive a new one before you leave.
How long does it take to extend B2 visa?
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 I stay in Canada while waiting for visitor visa extension?
If your status expires If you apply to extend your stay in Canada before the date you're supposed to leave, you can legally stay in Canada until a decision is made on your application. In this situation, you have maintained your status.
Can you stay in the US while waiting for visa extension?
Further, once your original nonimmigrant status expires, even though you will generally be allowed to remain in the U.S. while your extension of stay application is pending, you will not be deemed to be in any new nonimmigrant status until such time as we may approve your change of status application.
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.
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,
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.
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.
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 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.
