How to Extend Your Stay While in America on a Tourist Visa [USA Tourist Visa Extension Request]

There are some instances where our trip to the United States is not enough. There is still more to explore but unfortunately, you just can’t since your tourist visa is about to end and you’re required to go back to your home country.

The good news is, extending your stay is possible while you’re still in the US! Yes, you can extend your B1/B2 Tourist visa while staying in America. How? We will discuss more of it below.

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Who Are Eligible to Apply for a USA Tourist Visa Extension?

If you’re a B1 or B2 visa holder, you can extend your stay if:

You were lawfully admitted into the United States with a nonimmigrant visa
Your nonimmigrant visa status remains valid
You have not committed any crimes that make you ineligible for a visa
You have not violated the conditions of your admission
Your passport is valid and will remain valid for the duration of your stay

On the other hand, you may not extend your stay if you arrived in the US under the following categories:

Visa Waiver Program
Crew member (D nonimmigrant visa)
In transit through the United States (C nonimmigrant visa)
In transit through the United States without a visa (TWOV)
Fiancé of a U.S. citizen or dependent of a fiancé (K nonimmigrant visa)
Informant (and accompanying family) on terrorism or organized crime (S nonimmigrant visa)

Step by Step Guide on How to Extend Your USA Tourist Visa

Step 1: Fill out and complete form I-539. You can do this online, by the mail, or in person at a USCIS office;

Step 2: Create an application (letter) stating the reasons why you are requesting a visa extension;

Step 3: Provide financial proof that you can support yourself during the extension – such as bank account statements and employer statements;

Step 4: Submit a copy of your return airline or shipping tickets;

Step 5: Pay the filing fees ($370) and any biometric fee ($85).

Step 6: Provide a copy (not the original) of your I-94.

If you want to file your extension online, you can do that here.

Remember: According to USCIS, not all immigrants are eligible to file Form I-539 online. You can click here to check your eligibility. Once you find out that you’re eligible, then you can create a USCIS online account.

If you already have a USCIS online account, just sign in to your account to get started.

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What To Do After You File Your Extension Request

After filing your extension request, you will receive a 14 digit case number from the USCIS. The processing time is also indicated in this receipt. Aside from that, your schedule for biometrics appointment will be given to you so you can be fingerprinted and photographed along with other applicants.

Things To Remember in Filing an Extension Request

You should file your visa extension at least 45 days before your visa expires. This is the recommendation of the USCIS because if you file on time, you may be allowed to stay in the US for another 240 days which will still depend on the reasons and other factors behind your request.

You can also check the status of your visa extension online through the receipt case number given to you. Once your visa extension is approved, you will receive a replacement I-94 with a new expiration/departure date.
Note: It is recommended to have copies of your I-94 for your following trips to the US.

On the other hand, if your visa extension got denied, you will receive a written notice about the denial. For that reason, you will have to leave the United States immediately.

Requesting for a USA tourist visa extension is technically easy as long as you have the right documents and a good reason to stay. We hope that this article was able to help you with your concern about extending your USA Tourist Visa.

About the Writer

Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.