How to Extend Your US Visa while in US

If you entered USA legally with a valid US visa and want to stay little longer, there are ways of extending your stay legally. First know what type of visa you are holding. Different visas have different eligibility criterion for extension. For the sake of discussion let's just focus on visitor's visa (B1/B2 visa). Most of the US visas only allow you to entry in to the US. The length of your stay in the country will be determined by the immigration officer that will 'check you in' after you touch down. You will be issued what is known as the 'white card' or I-94 card.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet
• Computer
• Printer
• Form I-539 (Extension of stay/change of status) download from USCIS website or type in Google to get the link
• Check or money order
• Photo copy of your valid 1-94 card ( It should but nearing expiration no later than 4-6 weeks)
• Photo copy of all pages of a valid passport of your native country
• Proof of financial support, such as an affidavit from your friend who is a legal alien or citizen allowed to work and has a job, he should also give you a letter from his employer that he is an employ
• A copy of your air tickets back to your country
• A detailed covering letter explaining why you want to extend your stay. The reason should be genuine.
• Priority mail

How to Extend Your US Visa while in US

1. Complete the form legibly. Provide all the information accurately. Do not forget to sign your application

2. Write a covering letter explaining why you want to extend your stay.

3. Collect all the documents and put them in a full size envelope. Do not forget to enclose a check payable to USCIS. Look up the fee at the USCIS website, fee can changes anytime.

4. Locate the USCIS office that services your area. You can locate your office on USCIS website (see below for the links). For instance if you live in Arizona you will have to send it to 'USCIS California Service Center'.

5. Before mailing your application make a photocopy of everything for your records.

6. Send your application via USPS priority mail preferably with a return receipt request.

7. USCIS usually takes 4-6 weeks to process your application. But, as soon as they will receive your application they will issue you a receipt. This receipt is very vital as it will give you legal right to stay in US while your application is being processed even if your I-94 card and visa have both expired

8. You will be notified via mail about the decision of USCIS whether or not your application is approved. If approved you will receive a new I-94 card that you should staple to your passport. If your application is denied you should leave the country as soon as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• A well written and convincing covering letter can make a difference.
• Do not stay if your application is denied. You may be denied a US visa in future.

Resources

• United States Immigration Service

[bushbash]

on 12/15/2007 nice details

[grouch]

on 12/8/2007 Hey way to do it legal. I love this artical. Americans are not without fault too... sometimes we let our drivers licence expire, don't pay our car tags, or just plain forget something that is bound to get us in trouble.