B-1/B-2 Visa Extension

Many people who wish to stay for few months more in the US after the expiry of their tourist visa have the solution of extending their trip through proper channel. B1/B2 visa extension is the legal way of extending your stay in the US.

B1/B2 visa extension can be obtained if you manage to convince the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) that you have a valid reason to stay in the US and do not have the intention of permanent stay.

The B1/B2 visa extension can be done only once with a maximum staying period of 1 year. Further you have to show that your employer in your home country is aware of your long stay in the US and your family is taken proper care of in your home country.

B1/B2 visa extension should be applied within 4 to 6 weeks before the expiry of I-94. Further, do not apply for visa extension before 120 days of entry into the US as this would show the USCIS that you were intentional beforehand to get the extension.

In case you fail to apply for B1/B2 visa extension before the due date, then you must prove that the delay occurred due to certain unavoidable circumstances which do not violate your legal status as a non immigrant.

The form I-539 is the official document for the extension of visa or change of status. The fee for filing the application is common for all the family members and is devoid of biometric fees. The application fee is not refundable.

You have to enclose a photocopy of form I-94 along with the application. In case you send the original by error, you can get that back through an application form G-884 which has to be availed by mail and filed to the USCIS.

In addition you must send a letter requesting the USCIS to extend your visa stating your reasons. You also have to attach a copy of all the pages of the passport including the blank pages with an expiration date at least 6 months from the current due date. A proof of financial support is mandatory to get your visa extension.

B1/B2 visa extension further demands a copy of the air tickets which would prove your return to your home country. Photocopy of e-ticket or itinerary is not sufficient. The form I-539 has to be sent to USCIS office depending on your location.