Full Answer
How do I extend my B-2 visa?
When a situation arises that requires more time, B-2 visa-holders can petition to extend their stay in the United States beyond the original visa expiration date by filing for an extension of stay. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recommends filing an application for extension at least 45 days before a visa expires.
How to apply for a B2 visa for the USA?
You may apply for the B2 tourist visa at an American Consulate nearest to your residence. Your B2 visa application documents checklist should include: Your passport which is valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay in the U.S. and with at least one blank page
How long can a B-2 visa holder stay in the US?
Tourists who are in the United States under a B-2 visa (a visitor visa) can spend up to 6 months in the US as a tourist. When a situation arises that requires more time, B-2 visa-holders can petition to extend their stay in the United States beyond the original visa expiration date by filing for an extension of stay.
Can a B-2 visa be extended for babysitting?
Babysitting is an activity for which a US worker may be paid. Such a request for an extension for that reason will be denied by USCIS after months of processing. Where an extension of B-2 status is granted, it is for 6 months from the time of the prior validity.
Where do I send B2 extension?
Application to Extend USA Visitor VisaFor U.S. Postal Service: USCIS. P.O. Box 660166. Dallas, TX 75266.For Express mail and courier deliveries: USCIS. Attn: I-539. 2501 S. State Highway 121 Business. Suite 400. Lewisville, TX 75067.
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 apply B2 extension online?
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.
Where do I send my I-539 form?
For a dependent spouse or child requesting a change of status to a NATO classification based on the principal's classification as a NATO nonimmigrant, mail Form I-539 to: NATO/HQ SACT Legal Affairs, 7857 Blandy Road, Suite 100, Norfolk, VA 23551.
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 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 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.
Can I stay in US while I-539 is pending?
What If My Form I-539 is Pending and My I-94 Expired? If you have filed for an extension before your I-94 expired date and your application is still under review, you may stay in the U.S. for 240 days. You need to have followed and continue following the terms of your status.
Can I leave 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.
How much does it cost to file I-539?
The filing fee for Form I-539 is $400. There is no filing fee for A and G and NATO nonimmigrants. NOTE: The filing fee is not refundable, regardless of any action USCIS takes on this application. DO NOT MAIL CASH.
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 many times can you extend a B2 visa?
B-1 and B-2 Visas are the basic visa types for visitors who wish to visit the U.S. for pleasure or business purposes. The initial maximal period or each visit is up to 6 months, but this period can be extended for up to an additional 6 months.
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 a B2 visa stay in the US?
6 monthsB visa length of stay 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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:
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.
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 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.”
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 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.
Who Is Eligible For An Extension?
- Travelers with a B-2 visa aren’t the only visa-holders who are eligible for an extension. Anyone with one of the following visas may be eligible to apply for an extension: 1. A-3 – Attendants, personal employees, and servants of diplomatic and other government officials and their immediate family 2. B-1 & B-2 – Visitors for pleasure or business 3. E-1 & E-2 – Dependents of treaty investors, tre…
Which Visa Types Are Not Eligible For 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: 1. C – Individuals in-transit through the United States 2. D – Crew members 3. K – Fiancé of a US citizen, or the dependent of a fianc…
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.
What to Expect After You File
- Once USCIS has received your application for an extension, the agency will issue a receipt notice for Form I-539. The receipt will include a tracking number, along with an estimate of the processing time. The receipt should include instructions on how you can use the tracking number to check the status of your application online. After an agent has had the opportunity to review y…