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What You Need to Know About the B1 Extension

When visiting the US, you might need to extend your stay. However, you need to file a B1 extension and this article shows you the right way to do it.

During your visit to the USA, it’s possible to have an unexpected change of plans making you want to extend your stay. As such, you are required to apply for an extension with the immigration service.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reserves the right to approve or decline the application but you can submit as much information as you can to raise your success rate. If you prove that the application for a B1 extension was unforeseen, you can easily get an approval.

In this article, you’ll learn about how you should submit the application and how to comply with your VISA terms during the decision making process.

When to file a B1 extension request

The application should be filed the moment you learn about the need to extend your stay. Normally, the USCIS stipulates that applications should be submitted two months before your visitor VISA expires. More often than not, this will not be possible since the need to change the plans comes at the last minute and without notice.

Submitting your B1 extension when your current status is overdue means you will be considered to be out of status. If you are to have success with the extension, you need to prove that you faced some circumstances that were beyond your control hence the delay. For instance, you can give a medical emergency, theft of documents, or defective applications as good extraordinary circumstances.

If you fell out status but you have difficulties arguing your case before the USCIS, the best thing to do is speak to an immigration attorney. Since they are well versed with emigration laws, you will get sound advice on whether to go back to your home country and apply for another VISA. Basically, you shouldn’t stay in the US for more than 180 days after falling out of status. This is because you can be barred from applying for a VISA in future.

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The evidence required when extending your stay

When going through a B1 extension application, you are required to provide similar documents that you submitted during the initial application. Most importantly, you need to prove that you are in a good financial standing and you can support yourself during the prolonged stay. In addition, you must submit a well-written statement on the reasons why an extension is necessary.

Showing a sincere intent to travel back home where you have both economic and social ties can raise your success rates. Here are some documents that can get you a quick B1 extension.

• Valid documents indicating the reason behind the requested extension. Here you can provide medical reports, letters from close relatives living in the US, as well as police reports.
• Bank account statements to prove you have sufficient finances for your upkeep
• Documents showing you own property in your home country
• Letter from your employer in your home country showing they are comfortable with your extended stay
• A detailed plan to travel back home once the permitted stay has expired
• A letter from a relative residing in the US pledging to support you financially for the extended stay

Final words

There are many reasons why you would want to extend your stay in the US. If it’s due to academic reasons or work reasons, it always wise not to start working or commence attending classes until you are sure the application has been approved.

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