Can I stay in U.S. while waiting for extension?
Once you submit your application for an extension of status, you are permitted to remain in the U.S. until you receive a decision from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)—even if your permitted stay expires while USCIS is considering your application.
How long does it take to get I-539 approved?
The processing time for Form I-539 varies depending on which service center handles your petition. Most I-539 petitions are handled in the Vermont Service Center, which typically takes about 12 – 16 months—though it can be as short as 9 months for individuals seeking an extension of stay as a U or T nonimmigrant.
Can I stay in the U.S. while my I-539 is being processed?
What If My Form I-539 is Pending and My I-94 Expired? If you have filed for an extension before your I-94 expired date and your application is still under review, you may stay in the U.S. for 240 days. You need to have followed and continue following the terms of your status.
How long is a visa extension?
Visas are generally issued for a period of six months, but an additional maximum extension of six months can be granted based on the USCIS approval.
What happens if my visa extension is denied?
If your extension application is denied, you will receive a written decision by mail explaining the reasons for the denial. There is no way of making a formal appeal to the USCIS for the denial of an extension of stay.
How do I extend my US visa due to Covid 19?
Apply for an Extension. Most nonimmigrants can mitigate the immigration consequences of COVID-19 by timely filing an application for extension of stay (EOS) or change in status (COS). USCIS continues to accept and process applications and petitions, and many of our forms are available for online filing.
How long does it take for I-539 to be approved 2021?
From fiscal year 2017 to fiscal year 2021: Processing times for all I-539 applications to change or extend status rose from about 2.8 months to 9.8 months—a 250% increase. Processing times for family-based adjustment of status (I-485) applications rose from 7.9 months to 13.2 months—a 67% increase.
Why does I-539 take so long?
It has taken many months for USCIS to process the Biometrics due to the ASC Closures and limited capacity. Read USCIS Delays with 1.3 million Biometrics appointments to know more. You can check the I-539 – H4 Visa Historical Processing times to get an idea on the typical processing times.
What happens after my I-539 is approved?
After approval Once the Form I-539 is approved, the applicant is in a position to extend stay or transition to the new status (from the start date indicated on the Form I-539). Until receiving the approval, the applicant cannot engage in any activities that require being in the new status.
What happens if I-539 is denied?
However, if you receive notice that your I-539 application has been denied, even if the date on your I-94 has not yet passed, your B visa will become void and you will be required to depart the U.S. immediately.
Can I travel while I-539 is pending?
If you travel abroad while a change of status application (I-539) is pending, USCIS considers the application abandoned and will reject it. You will need to go to a U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for a new visa to re-enter.
How much is visa extension in USA?
$370
Include payment – The visa extension filing fee is $370 (for you and your family included in the application) but there may be an extra $85 biometric fee involved depending on your current type of visa. Copy of Form I-94 – Your arrival and departures form attained at the entry to the U.S.
When to apply for a visa extension in the US?
You may apply to extend your stay if: You have a valid legitimate reason to request for visa extension, under the visa category. You were lawfully admitted into the United States with a non-immigrant visa. Your non-immigrant US visa status remained valid.
How long does it take to get a visa extension receipt?
Once you file the visa extension application, USCIS will send you a receipt with a receipt number( 13 digit) This is your case number. The approximate processing time will be indicated on the receipt. It can take few weeks to several weeks to process your case.
How long does it take for USCIS to approve an extension?
When you file your extension, you should receive an official receipt from the USCIS within 4 to 6 weeks. (This is just the receipt saying that they received your application and is not an actual approval/denial letter.)
How much does it cost to extend a US visa?
Documents required for the US visa extension: Completed I-539 Form (PDF) Or File Online (I-539 Online) An application stating the reason for the requested extension. Proof of financial support during this extended stay. Copy of your return tickets as a proof of your temporary stay intentions. Visitor visa (B1-B2) extension fee is $370.