A B2 visa is a temporary visa that lets you enter the US for a short amount of time. You will need to get a B2 visa in order to travel to the United States for tourism purposes. You may stay in the United States for up to 6 months. If you wish to extend your stay, you must file for a B2 visa extension.
Everyone, except permanent Green Card holders, needs a type of visa to enter and stay in the United States legally.
Can B2 Visas be Extended?
Yes, your B2 Visa can be extended as long as you meet the requirements listed below.
When to Extend B2 Visa?
USCIS recommends applying for a B2 visa extension at least 45 days before the expiration date of your visa.
You can see your expiration date on the bottom right corner of your Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record.
If you stay in the United States past your visa expiration date without submitting a request to the USCIS, you risk being deported and/or prohibited from reentering the United States. Knowing and remembering your dates is extremely important to avoid penalties.
B2 Visa Extension Eligibility Requirements
You can extend your B2 visa if:
- You have not committed any crimes: You should have a clean record without any criminal offenses committed during your stay in the United States.
- You still have a valid B2 Visa: Your current B2 visa must still be valid at the time of application for extension.
- You have not broken the conditions of your stay: You must not have violated the conditions of your initial stay. This includes following the terms of your visa and not engaging in activities prohibited by the visa category.
- Your passport is valid and will be valid for your entire stay: Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your extended stay. Ensure that your passport remains valid to avoid any complications during the extension process.
You are ineligible to submit an application for the extension of your stay if you were initially granted entry into the United States under any of the following categories:
- Participants in the Visa Waiver Program
- Holders of a Crew member visa (D nonimmigrant visa)
- Individuals in transit through the United States (C nonimmigrant visa)
- Those in transit through the United States without a visa (TWOV)
- Fiancés of U.S. citizens or dependents of a fiancé (K nonimmigrant visa)
- Informants, along with their accompanying family, involved in issues related to terrorism or organized crime (S nonimmigrant visa)
How to Extend B2 Visa?
A B2 visa can be extended by filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status with the USCIS. Ensure that the form is accurately filled out with all required information.
Include supporting documents that strengthen your case for the B2 Visa extension. This may include proof of the purpose of your extended stay, such as a detailed itinerary, medical reasons, or other relevant documentation.
B2 Visa Extension Fee
Extending a B2 Visa has a $370 filing fee for Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. There may be a biometric fee of $85, depending on the type of visa you are on.
Each co-applicant should also pay an $85 biometric fee.
USCIS accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, money orders, and checks. Ensure that your chosen method complies with USCIS guidelines.
How Long Will it Take to Extend B2 Visa?
Typically it takes anywhere between 2.5 to 8 months to extend B2 Visa.
After you file your Form I-539 with the USCIS Lockbox facility, a notice of receipt will be sent to your address within 4 to 6 weeks. It is just a notice of confirmation from USCIS that they received your application and it will also include approximate processing time and your case status number.
Factors influencing the processing time include:
- Case Complexity: Complex cases may take longer to process as USCIS reviews additional documentation and information.
- USCIS Workload: USCIS workload and processing times may vary based on the volume of applications received.
- External Factors: External factors, such as policy changes or unexpected events, can impact processing times.
You can use the case status number to check the status of your application online.
B2 Visa Extension Process: Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the permissible stay duration in the U.S. with a B2 visa?
The duration of stay in the United States under a B2 visa is determined by U.S. immigration authorities at the port of entry. Initially, a person with a B-2 visa can be admitted for six months, and this period is extendable in increments of six months.
Is it possible to renew a B1/B2 visa without an interview?
The renewal process for a U.S. B1/B2 Visa depends on eligibility for the Interview Waiver Program (IWP). Applicants qualifying for the IWP can renew their B1/B2 visa without the need for an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
How many entries are allowed into the U.S. on a B2 visa?
The B1/B2 visa is classified as a multiple-entry visa, allowing individuals to enter the United States more than once. There is no specified limit on the number of visits in a year. However, the frequency of entry depends on the unique circumstances of each visit, subject to the discretion of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.
What is the maximum number of times a B2 visa extension can be requested?
Generally, B2 visa extensions can be granted for the duration requested and justified. However, the maximum extension period allowed is six months. It’s important to note that there is a limit to the number of times you can apply for a visitor visa extension, and the maximum cumulative stay on a B1/B2 visa is one year.
Can I remain in the U.S. during the pendency of my B2 visa extension?
After the expiration of your original nonimmigrant status, you are generally permitted to stay in the U.S. while your extension of stay application is under review. It’s important to note that you will not be considered in any new nonimmigrant status until the approval of your change of status application.
