Who can extend the US visa when it expires during the epidemic?

It has been nearly three months since the outbreak of the epidemic, and the visas previously handled are still out of control, and the planned flights are also being cancelled. Is it illegal to apply for a visa and stay for a period of time under force majeure? Other countries also have official information about the extension. Does the United States have it? What can it extend?

B 1/B2 visa extension application

With the development of the epidemic in COVID-19, some holders of B 1/B2 visas for business activities and visiting relatives will soon expire or stay for nearly 180 days.

The State Council said recently that the US Immigration Service will accept applications for visa extension due to the epidemic. According to the regulations, non-immigrant visa holders of B 1/B2 are required to submit their applications 45 days before the visa expiration date or residence date expires. Generally speaking, if the already-bought exit ticket is temporarily cancelled, etc. Can be counted as the reason for the application. Applicants need to ensure that their current status is legal and their passports are still valid, and fill in and submit the I-539 application form for extension/change of non-immigrant status on uscis, and then wait for the approval of USCIS.

On the other hand, according to the provisions of USCIS, students studying in the United States who have serious financial difficulties due to force majeure can also apply for off-campus work to tide over the crisis. At present, most schools in the United States have stopped teaching and closed their campuses to prevent the spread of the epidemic. Some international students with F 1 student visas lost the opportunity to work on campus or get grants and scholarships because of the early end of the semester. In this case, the holder of visa F 1 can obtain a temporary worker's card by submitting the I-765 form and having his special status proved by the school. If the financial difficulties are serious, students can also submit a temporary worker card, which is exempt from the application fee.

Extension of class b visa

The epidemic affected the sky-high price of air tickets, and many people were trapped in the United States with tourist visas. The following small series briefly explains how to extend the B visa?

Application time

If it is necessary to apply for an extension of B 1/B2, it is best to start the application 45 days before the departure date stipulated in I-94.

Application conditions

So what conditions must be met to apply for visa extension of B 1/B2?

Enter the country legally as a non-immigrant.

There is no illegal act.

There are no other factors that require the applicant to leave the United States before extending his stay.

Your passport is still valid during your stay in the United States.

Application material

Form I-539(I-539 can be filled in online at present and submitted directly online.

I-94 entry and exit records

Write a detailed explanation: why the delay, the planned date of leaving the United States, the impact of the delay on your work and residence outside the United States, etc.

Copy of passport information page

Copy of valid visa

Proof of funds (bank deposits, etc.). Prove that you have the financial ability to pay the living expenses during your stay in the United States

Image source USCIS

Form I-539

application expenses

$370 each applicant needs to pay an additional $85 for biological collection.

E-mail address

If you don't choose to send the form directly online, you can also choose to send it by email.

await the result

After all the materials are sent out, we need to wait for the results. Usually the results will be received within 3-6 months.

Please refer to the official website: https://www.uscis.gov.