When visiting the United States, a U.S. visa is required in order to enter the country. It is essential that visitors plan their trip in accordance with the six months that the visa permits. If, for any reason, a visa needs to be extended, then the individual has the opportunity to apply for an extension of B1 (business) or B2 (tourism or medical treatment) visa in the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before your visa expires.
Step by Step Visa Extension Application
Business and tourism Visas are normally issued for six months. However, in some cases people may wish to extend their visa due to unfinished projects, or if a person didn’t see what they had planned to. When entering a country, each person is given an L-94 – arrival departure form.
The L-94 is a form valid for all travelers crossing the U.S border by water or air. The form has a stamp that shows the exact date of entry and date until the visa is valid. If an individual doesn’t have the original copy, a request for a new one can be done at the nearest USCIS office that approves extensions. This needs to be shown whilst applying for a visa extension.
When extending a U.S. visa, individuals need to complete an extension application using the I-539 form – Extension or Change to Nonimmigrant Status. This form needs to be filled in before the authorized stay expires. A person is required to complete a form using blank ink, or fill it in online and print it once done. This form, along with supporting documents, has to be taken to California Service Center or Vermont Service Center, depending on what place visitors are currently at.
Extension Visa fee is expensive, and it costs roughly $300. Once a fee is paid and an application is filed, the person will receive a receipt with a 13- digit number that can be used for tracking purposes. Application process time normally lasts a few weeks, and extension is granted only with USCIS approval. Hence, it is advised to apply for an extension at least 45 days before visa expiry date.
Requirements for a Visa Extension
First of all, when applying for a visa extension the applicant’s passport must be valid for the next 6 months, if a visa extension is planned to be done. After completing an I-539 form, a copy of I-94 needs to be attached (do not send the original). Then, individuals will need to provide a reason by submitting a cover letter explaining the purpose of the extension.
Candidates must be able to prove that they are able to financially support themselves during the extended stay. Evidence such as bank statement, credit card statement, or letter from a firm that employs the person is essential. Return flight tickets are often asked to be shown, in order to confirm intentions of temporary stay. As mentioned above, the extension visa cost is expensive – for a visitor visa (B1 & B2) the extension fee is $370.
Who is Eligible for a Visa Extension
Not all individuals are eligible to extend their visa. People can apply for a visa extension if they fulfil particular requirements. Eligible individuals must:
- have a valid reason for staying in America,
- be lawfully admitted into the U.S with a non-immigrant visa,
- hold a valid visa,
- not commit any crimes during the visa stay,
- not violate any conditions,
- hold a passport that is valid for a minimum of the next 6 months,
- have evidence of financial support for the duration of the stay,
- have exit flights booked.
Note: You may not be able to apply for a visa extension if you were granted entry to the United States in the following categories: crew members or individuals who are in transit (non-immigrant visa or without a visa through visa waiver program).
What if a Person Overstays Without a Visa Extension?
For multiple entry US visa holders, if a person overstays without an extension then the visa becomes automatically invalid. This however, only applies to those who overstayed by a long period of time – months. People that overstay are also likely to be deported.
As extension approval time is unknown, the best option for those who are waiting for an extension is to stick to their travel plans stated on I-94. For instance, if an extension is not granted and the person has a few days to leave, the best option, to avoid legal problems during the next entry, is to leave on the exit date shown on I-94. Moreover, no matter what the result of the extension request is, copies of paperwork and communication with USCIS should be kept for future U.S trips.
