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Need a Visa Extension?

Need a Visa Extension?

Need a Visa Extension? Here’s What You Should Know

Introduction:

If you are a foreign national in the United States whose visa is about to expire but want to remain in the country legally, you will need to apply for a visa extension. In this article, we provide a detailed guide on what you need to know about visa extensions, including who can apply, how to apply, and what documents are required.

Who Can Apply for a Visa Extension?

Individuals with temporary visas, such as students, temporary workers, and visitors, can apply for a visa extension if their current visa is about to expire, and they want to stay longer for specific reasons. This may include extending the length of their studies, continuing work with the same employer, or taking a medical leave of absence.

How to Apply for a Visa Extension?

The process of applying for a visa extension varies, depending on the type of visa you hold. For instance, if you are a student on an F-1 visa, you will need to apply for an extension through your designated school official (DSO). On the other hand, if you are on a work visa, such as H-1B, you will need to apply through your employer.

Regardless of the type of visa, you will be required to file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In addition to the application form, you will also need to provide supporting documentation, such as proof of financial support, valid passport, and a copy of your current visa.

What Documents Are Required for Visa Extension?

In addition to Form I-539, you will need to provide the following documentation when applying for a visa extension:

1. A valid passport.

2. Your current visa.

3. A letter explaining the reasons why you are requesting an extension.

4. Evidence that you can support yourself financially while in the United States.

5. Proof that you intend to return to your home country when your extended stay expires.

6. Additional documentation required by the USCIS, depending on the type of visa.

What Happens After You Submit Your Application?

After submitting your application, the USCIS will review your Form I-539 and supporting documents to determine your eligibility for a visa extension. If your application is approved, you will receive a new I-94 arrival/departure record, indicating the new expiration date of your visa. If your application is denied, you will need to leave the United States immediately, or you risk being deported.

Conclusion:

If you need a visa extension, the most important thing is to apply in a timely and accurate manner. This ensures that your application is processed quickly and that you can remain in the country legally. The application process can be complicated, and it is essential to seek the help of an experienced immigration attorney to guide you through the process and help you avoid any costly mistakes. With the right approach and documentation, you can successfully extend your stay in the United States and pursue your goals.


Visa Extensions Explained?

•    A Visa Extension is an expressed permission that allows an immigrant or non-citizen to extend their temporary residence within the United States.

•    The extended permission granted through a Visa Extension is delivered by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Bureau.

•    The circumstances of applications requesting an extensionwill differ in description, duration of time allowed for temporary residence, as well as participatory nations, specifically Canada and Mexico. That being said, the satisfaction of specific Visa Extension applications and requirements are mandatory prior to being approved for a Visa Extension.

Visa Extension Allowances

•    A Visa Extension will be granted to those individuals wishing to change, modify, or extend the terms of their temporary, non-citizen residencies in the United States.

•    Those applying for a Visa Extension may do so prior to the termination of their respective visa status.

•    The applicant for a Visa Extension will typically receive an extension, in the event that they are participating in school, education, employment, visiting, touring, and or tourism practices.

Prohibitions Associated with an Extension

Those applying for a Visa Extension cannot:

•         Assume that a visa extension is implicit in the initial application

•         Remain in the United States in the event that a Visa Extension has been denied

•         File for a petition of extension in lieu of being approved for a Visa Extension

Required Forms Associated with a Visa Extension

•    The following forms are required to be completed upon applying for a Visa Extension; these forms can be attained at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Bureau by contacting them at their toll-free telephone number (800) 375-5283.
Form I-539: This form details the conditions, circumstances, and requests of non-immigrants wishing to extend their residence within the United States.

1.       Form Size: 15 pages (including instructions)

2.       Filing Location: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Bureau

3.       Filing Fee: $290

Form M-752: This form is an instructional guide in order to better explain the filing process for a Visa Extension.

1.       Form Size: 1 page

2.       Filing Location: Filing not required; this is an instructional resource

3.       Filing Fee: None

Form G-1145: This form is the notification of approval subsequent to the filing of a Visa Extension.

1.       Form Size: Varies

2.       Filing Location: Filing not required; sent from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Bureau

3.       Filing Fee: None

Visa Extension Requirements

Approval for a Visa Extension is contingent on the delivery and satisfaction of the following requirements:

•         Copy of a valid passport

•         Documentation illustrated legal and lawful temporary residence

•         Documentation of necessity to extend the visa

•         Specification of the type of visa for which one is requesting extension