how does a lawyer extend your tourist visa

You may send a representative to file for your visa extension given that you will provide a Special Power of Attorney (SPA). How many days should I allot for the filling of my visa extension to avoid overstaying? You may file for your visa extension application seven (7) days before your Temporary Visitors’ visa expires.

Full Answer

Do I need a lawyer to extend or change my visa?

You don't necessarily need to pay a lawyer to help you, if you have a simple situation, you understand the laws, and you easily qualify to extend or change your visa status.

Can I extend my tourist visa in USA?

You have a valid and legitimate reason to stay longer. Your reason must be related to the visa category you are currently on. You have not committed any crimes that could remove your eligibility for the visa. You have not violated any conditions of your admission to the U.S.

Do I need an attorney for a nonimmigrant visa form?

This form is not used for all nonimmigrant visa categories. What's more, it's not always clear, even in the instructions for the form, as to when it's use is specifically required. Therefore, it is important to consult an attorney regarding whether you need to use this form for the purposes you have in mind.

When to apply for a visa extension before your authorized stay?

USCIS recommends that you apply to extend your stay at least 45 days before your authorized stay expires. You have a valid legitimate reason to request for visa extension, under the visa category. Your passport is valid and will remain valid for the duration of your stay.

Can you get an extension on a tourist visa?

If you want to extend your stay in the United States, 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.

How much does it cost to extend tourist visa?

$370Visitor visa (B1-B2) extension fee is $370. If you are applying for spouse and children, they are included in the same fee. There may be a biometric fee of $85 which can vary based on the type of visa you are on.

How can I extend my tourist visa beyond 6 months?

Period of stay is the same as in case of B-1 visa – 6 months is the maximum. If you wish to extend your stay (for up to 6 months), without departing from the United States, you are required to submit a Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Non-immigrant Status along with the relevant supporting documents.

How long a visitor visa can be extended?

B1 Visa Extension and B2 Visa Extension You are allowed to extend tourist visa and extend your business date if you are B1 or B2 holder. The typical amount of time granted to a B visa holder is one to six months. The maximum amount of time you can extend on a B-1 visa is up to 6 months, for a total of 1 year.

What documents are needed for visa extension?

completed application form ID 91;original and photocopy of applicant's valid travel document and, where applicable, his/her previous travel document showing the latest visa/entry permit label and landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable);More items...•

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 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.

What is a good reason to extend B2 visitor visa?

Typical reasons for extending B2 visa status includes continuation of tourism activities, social meetings with friends and relatives, and participating in social organizations and functions. In some cases it is prudent to change status from another nonimmigrant visa category to B1 or B2 status.

Can I stay in the US while my 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 do they know if you overstay your visa?

Travel Records It's pretty easy for foreigners in the U.S. to know if they've overstayed their visas. All they need to do is look at their I-94 arrival and departure cards, which clearly state how long they can stay.

How do I fix an overstayed visa?

How do I fix an overstayed visa? The best course of action is to discuss your case with an immigration lawyer. They will be able to advise you whether you should return to your home country, apply for an adjustment of status within the United States, or another pathway to residency.

How much is the fee for extension of stay?

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.

You May Apply to Extend Your Stay If

Even though you might have the option to extend, there are still certain qualifying criteria you need to meet. The USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) will allow you to stay on a visitor visa extension if you comply with the following:

You May NOT Apply to Extend Your Stay If

There are, unfortunately, certain visas that won’t be eligible for a visa extension even if you comply with the criteria listed above. These visas include:

Documents Required for Visitor Visa Extension

The extension process still demands a formal application to be done and the application requires specific documents.

How to Apply to Extend Your Visitor Visa

First of all, make sure you have all the required documentation included in your application. You can file your physical application at a USCIS Lockbox or you can mail it physically to one of the USCIS addresses.

What to Do if Your Application is Approved or Denied

After completing the filing of your application the USCIS will give you a receipt with a 13-digit number. Keep it safe as this is your case number and helps to identify your application in the future. The receipt will also indicate the approximate processing time.

Visitor Visa Extension FAQ

We’ve covered the basics but you may still have a few other questions about your visitor visa extension. To help you out, here are a few of the more frequently asked questions.

Conclusion

Whether you’re on business or visiting the U.S. as a tourist, you can possibly extend your stay if you have the right reasons and meet the qualification criteria. You also need to prove those reasons with concrete evidence.

What happens if I get an extension for my visa?

If your application for an extension is approved you will be issued a replacement I-94 with a new departure date. Make a copy of this approval letter and I-94 and keep into your record, these will be useful for future entry to USA. You should carry these when you make next US trip or appear for a fresh US visa next time.

What happens if you get denied a visa extension?

If your visa extension application rejected or denied, you will receive a letter that will tell you why the application was denied. You will then be required to leave USA immediately.

How long is a US visitor visa valid for?

These are generally issued for a period of six months, but an additional maximum extension of 6 months can be granted based on the USCIS approval.

How long before your USCIS authorization expires can you extend your stay?

Check for the dates online to determine when your authorized stay expires. USCIS recommends that you apply to extend your stay at least 45 days before your authorized stay expires.

What happens if you are refused permission to extend your stay?

The CIS cautions that if you are refused permission to extend your stay, you may encounter problems with Consulates overseas the next time you apply for a U.S. visa because their computer records will indicate that you did not leave the U.S. within the time frame of your initial period of entry.

Is my passport valid for the duration of my stay?

Your passport is valid and will remain valid for the duration of your stay. You have definite plans to leave US at the end of the proposed visa extension period. Proper evidence for financial support is provided.

How to check status of extension application?

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.

Can I extend my B-1 visa?

If you need to extend your I-94 date or U.S. visitor visa stay in the United States , you must file an extension of stay with the U.S.

Do I need a lawyer to change my visa?

You don't necessarily need to pay a lawyer to help you, if you have a simple situation, you understand the laws, and you easily qualify to extend or change your visa status. However, if you are unsure about any aspect of the rules, have any special circumstances, or just want to make sure it's done right the first time, ...

Can I send multiple applications in one check?

When filing multiple applications, you can include all the fees in one check. However, it's best to send separate checks, because if one or more applications are rejected, all will be rejected if all the fees are included in one check. USCIS will not accept overpayments, nor will it refund partial payments.

Can I file online if my USCIS status is expired?

Nonetheless, if you find yourself up against a deadline, such as your status expiring today, such that not even sending your application by overnight courier would get it to USCIS on time (until after your status has expired), online filing can be a useful option.

Does USCIS accept overpayments?

USCIS will not accept overpayments, nor will it refund partial payments. Fees paid by check or money order must be drawn on a bank or other financial institution located in the U.S., and must be payable in U.S. currency. Make it out to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security.".

Can I waive my USCIS fee?

When USCIS Fees Can Be Waived. When applying for certain benefits, USCIS allows applicants to request a waiver of some fees (per 8 C.F.R. 103.7 (c) (3) ). In particular, anyone required to pay the biometrics fee can request a waiver.