U.S. Visitor Visa Extension: Requirements, Application & Fees

Everyone looks forward to traveling to and visiting other countries. Visitors to the United States may find that they would like to extend their visas and stay beyond the allotted amount of time. The reason for this may be family or business amongst others. The U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) has a process for extension that must be applied for. It is recommended that travelers apply 45 days before their authorized stay expires. The steps for the U.S. visitor visa extension process are given below.

USCIS U.S. Visitor Visa Extension

Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).

Requirements to Extend your Stay 

• You were lawfully admitted into the United States with a nonimmigrant visa
• Your nonimmigrant visa status remains valid
• You have not committed any crimes that make you ineligible for a visa
• You have not violated the conditions of your admission
• Your passport is valid and will remain valid for the duration of your stay

Procedure for a U.S. Visitor Visa Extension

If you want to apply for a U.S. visitor visa extension: 

• 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. 

Form I-539: Application to extend a Visitor Visa

Includes U.S. visitor visa extension documents

• 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.
• You should not have accessed any monetary state benefits or supplementary income from the state after February 11, 2020. If you have received any state benefits, please list them separately with supporting documentation
• Documents showing that the effects of your extended stay on your foreign employment or residency
• Submit $370 for filing fees (and $85 for biometric fees depending upon your petition)

Next steps: After filing your U.S. Visitor Visa extension

U.S. Visitor Visa Extension Processing Time

Once the extension application is submitted, USCIS will give you a receipt with a 13-digit case number

• You can check your US visa status online through CEAC Visa Status Check portal, using the case number or CEAC barcode on the DS-160 confirmation page.
• 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

Things to remember when filing a U.S. Visitor Visa Extension

• If possible, file your extension application 45 days before your stay is set to expire
• You can stay in the U.S. for 240 days after the expiry date on your I-94 if you have proof of an I-539 application
• The 13-digit case number and receipt notice by USCIS acts as proof of an existing I-539 document in process
• Spouse and unmarried children under 21 years can be included on one Form I-539
• In order to qualify, you can not have violated your visa status in any way and may not be a potential public charge
• While the above step-by-step process will help you file your visa extension with ease, do not hesitate to contact a legal immigration expert if you need assistance.

You may not apply to extend your stay if you were admitted to the United States in the following categories:

• Visa Waiver Program
• Crew member (D nonimmigrant visa)
• In transit through the United States (C nonimmigrant visa)
• In transit through the United States without a visa (TWOV)
• Fiancé of a U.S. citizen or dependent of a fiancé (K nonimmigrant visa)
• Informant (and accompanying family) on terrorism or organized crime (S nonimmigrant visa)

Staying Longer than Authorized

• 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.

Also Read: U.S. Visitor Visa Extension: Requirements, Application & Fees

To ask any questions related to the rights of NRIs, PIOs, and OCIs, you can download SBNRI App from the Google Play Store or App Store. You can also use the SBNRI app for investment in stock market/ mutual funds, NRI account opening, tax filing, etc. To ask any questions, click on the button below. Also, visit our blog and YouTube channel for more details. 

Ask Indian Friend Now

FAQs