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 still have a valid B2 Visa
- You have not broken the conditions of your stay
- Your passport is valid and will be valid for your entire stay
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.
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.
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.
You can use the case status number to check the status of your application online.
