Question: Extension of travel visa

tr22

Registered Users (C)
Hello folks

A friend of mine wants to extend the travel visa for his parents. Currently they are in here for 6 months. Would appreciate if anyone could let me know the following information
1) What forms needs to be filled
2) What are some valid reasons that can be given for the extension
3) Any other points to remember/do

Thanks for your replies.
 
They should file form I-539, Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status with the service center having jurisdiction over their place of residence.

They need to file only one form for the whole visiting party, but they need to include front and back copies of I-94 and passports for every person asking for extension.

No need to list specific compelling reasons, but it might help to include copies of valid return flight tickets for a date before the last day of the required extension.

Important poins to remember:

1. They must apply BEFORE the expiration date on their I-94.

2. After they get the extension they must not discard the approval notice, but keep it as evidence for not overstaying when applying for a visitor visa in the future (there is no way for the consulates to access USCIS extension approvals).

3. Apply early - the current TSC processing date for I-539 is 3 Sep 2003 (5 months)

4. If they do not have multiple entry visitor visa for 5 or 10 years, they might have difficulty getting a visitor visa in the future as consulates don't look favourably at people who extend their stay while in the US. Also the general rule for frequent visitors is to stay at least for 7 months in their country after a 6 months visit in the US, before coming for another 6 months visit.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Top