From employment opportunities to family obligations, there are many reasons why you might have to extend your stay in the U.S.
However, you can only request an extension if you are eligible.
Meet the qualifications
To extend your stay, you must have a current nonimmigrant visa and a reason to extend your stay. The reason should be similar to the reason you applied for your visa in the first place. Additionally, you must have a clean criminal record, a valid passport, the financial means to support your stay and a plan for when your visa expires. Unfortunately, not all visas are eligible for extensions. These include C, D, K and S nonimmigrant visas.
Submit your documentation
Once you know if you are eligible, you can start gathering your application documents. The first document is a cover letter, where you explain why you want to extend your visa. Additional documentation includes proof of income or financial support, payment for the extension fee, a copy of your original Form I-94 and proof that you intend to return home. Try to submit your application at least two months before your current visa expires.
Keep your documents safe
If you get approved, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will send you a new Form I-94. All of your I-94 forms are essential for departure and for applying for visas in the future, so keep copies of your documents safe.
Extending your stay does not have to be stressful. Keeping track of your documentation can make the process go by smoothly.