If you or your family are visiting the United States, there may be situations where they would like to extend their stay and continue to be in the United States maintaining their visa status. This could be done by Applying for an Extension of Stay in the United States. In this post I would like to explain the process of applying the extension of stay in the United States and give some guidelines which could aid you while applying.
Is Extension of Stay Granted for All Applicants?
You need to keep in mind that all the applicants who apply for extension of stay are not granted extension. It depends on the reason you provide in the application for the extension. You may be able to continue your stay if your purpose of extension is valid and if you could provide additional information on your intent to return to your home country after the temporary stay in the United States.
When to Apply?
You need to apply to extend your stay at least 45 days before your I-94 expires. Please make sure you know the difference between visa expiration date and I-94 expiration date. Visa Expiration Date is the date until which you no longer need to go to a U.S. Consulate to attend visa interview to visit United States, but I-94 expiration date is the date beyond which you may no longer stay in the United States.
However, if you have applied for extension of stay in the USA before your I-94 expires, you may continue your stay until 240 days, until you receive decision and you would still be in legal status.
How to Apply – Form I-539?
- Fill out Application to Extend/Change NonImmigrant Status, Form I-539
- Pay Form I-539 Filing Fee of $290
- Photocopy of passport and I-94
- Letter explaining the reason for extension of stay, also explaining your intent to return to your home country
For more information on applying extension of stay, click here.
My cousin visa for the usa is b1/b2 will be expired on 11/11/2014. how can he apply for an extension to stay longer?
Thanks for clearing up the possibility of an extended US stay, with the B1/B2 visa. I learned here that you may not always be granted an extension — it’s entirely dependent upon the reason you give when filling out the application!
My visa for the usa is b1/b2 valid one year from 16th april to 16th april 2015 I came on the 20th april was to stay for 5 weeks at point of entry was given admission up to 29th may 2014. Now need an extension of two weeks more how do l go about it?
Hey,
My mom got approved her extension when she came by 2009. But she went back to India before her extension application got approved. I want to apply now for extension. Am I need to send the information about that extension with that application, even she has not stayed using that extended I-94? Please give me some information.
Thanks,
Lisa