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Extending you B1/B2 visa The coronavirus pandemic has turned the entire world upside down and has severely disrupted the normal life. With so many restrictions being imposed to curb the rapid spread of the virus, travel restrictions and border closures are enacted by the countries like never before.
In this process, several airlines have suspended travel, and have compelled people to stay where they are away from their home countries. If you are currently in the U.S. and experiencing a similar fate, and are unable to return to your home country, you may have to stay in the U.S. longer than you had anticipated. The sudden restrictions have undoubtedly caused a lot of trouble but it is for the better good.
If you have entered the United States with a B1/B2 visitor visa, and find yourself stuck in the U.S., you do not have to worry. If you have to stay in the U.S. due to travel restrictions, you won’t be deported by the immigration law. In this case, you will have to file for an extension of your visitor visa until you can go back to your home country. If you are wondering how to extend your B1/B2 visa, here’s how you can do it:
Can Your Visa Be Extended During COVID 19? Amid COVID 19 pandemic, when the world economy is falling apart, you are worried about your and your family’s health and stuck in the U.S. all you can do it extend your visa and wait for the situation to get better and favorable. The USCIS allows you to extend your B1/B2 visitor visa in this unusual situation created by COVID 19.
How to File For your Visa Extension? USCIS will consider all the visa extension applications under these extenuating circumstances of COVID 19. Here is a step-by-step guide on how you can file for visitor visa extension:
oFifllnoount-iFmomrmigIr-a5n3t9v(iEsax)tension The first and foremost step is to fill out the Form I-539. You can fill this form online by downloading it and filling the details As many of the USCID branches could be temporarily closed.
Written Statement Include a written statement (in the form of a letter) in which you must specify the reason for requesting a visa extension. In this case, you must clearly state that your country has closed its borders due to the pandemic and you will not be allowed to travel back to your home country until the restrictions are lifted.
Attachothersupportingdocuments Other than providing the written statement you are also required to provide the supporting documents for your visa extension to demonstrate that you won’t be a financial burden to the country. Here is the list of the supporting documents that you need to present:
1.Proof that your extended stay in the U.S. is temporary and that you will be returning to your home country as soon as the restrictions are lifted. This could include copies of your return tickets or proof that you are still employed in your home country.
2. Copies of return air tickets. As you are not certain when your home country’s restrictions will be lifted, you can consider buying tickets with flexible dates. On the other hand, if your country has a formal lockdown you can consider buying a ticket after the lockdown ends.
3. opies of your Form I-94. The Form I-94 is your Arrival-Departure Record Card and thus, you present its copy to the USCIS 4. Proof that shows financial independence while living in the U.S. You need to show the USCIS that you will be financially independent during your extended stay in the U.S. You can demonstrate this by providing proof of your income or bank statements.
5. Documents pertaining to the impact your extended stay might have on your foreign employment or residency. For example, This could include a letter from your employer confirming continued employment. Filing Fees: Lastly, you will have to pay the filing fee of $370 and possibly an $85 biometric fee when you submit your visa extension application.
Note: Once you have submitted your visa extension application, USCIS will provide you a receipt with a 13-digit case number. You can anytime check the status of your application online and also its processing time using your case number.
Things to take care of when filing for an extension One of the most important things to remember is to file your application for a visa extension before your current visa expires. If you are in a situation where you’ve already overstayed and don’t have an application for an extension in place can create trouble and raise questions. Thus, you must file your extension at least 45 days prior to the date of the required departure mentioned in your I-94. In a situation, if your visitor visa has already expired, the best option is to contact an immigration attorney to find out what could be your options.
Once you’ve filed for the extension, you do not have to worry even if your stay expires before you finally receive your visa extension. You are legally allowed to stay in the U.S. for 240 days after the expiry date listed in your I-94, but only if you have evidence (13 digit case number issued by the USCIS) of your I-539 application.
ContactUs 353 1963 0777 [email protected] www.immigrationlawyerfl.com
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