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U.S. Tourist Visa Extension Procedures

1. how do i apply for an extension of my u.s. tourist visa, 2. how many times can i renew my u.s. tourist visa, 3. what documents do i need to provide when applying for a u.s. tourist visa extension, 4. how much does it cost to apply for an extension of my u.s. tourist visa, 5. how long will it take to process my u.s. tourist visa extension application, 6. what is the maximum length of stay allowed on a u.s. tourist visa, 7. is it possible to extend the validity period of an existing u.s. tourist visa, 8. can i travel within the united states with an expired u.s. tourist visa, 9. what are the consequences of overstaying a u.s. tourist visa, 10. how will my application for a u.s. tourist visa extension be affected if i have previously overstayed a visa in the united states, 11. what are the requirements for my supporting documents for a u.s. tourist visa extension application, 12. are there any special requirements for children applying for a u.s. tourist visa extension, 13. how often must i renew my u.s. tourist visa to continue to stay in the united states, 14. am i required to leave the country between each period of stay with a u.s .tourist visa, 15. what types of activities are allowed on a u.s .tourist visa extension, 16. can i work while staying in the united states on a u .tourist visa extension, 17 .is there an age limit for applying for a u .tourist visa extension, 18 .what is the difference between an extension of stay and change of status on a u .tourist visa application, 19 .are there any restrictions to entry into the united states while on a u .tourist visa extension, 20 .can my family members apply for a u .tourist visa extension at the same time as me.

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How to extend your period of authorized stay as a u.s. visitor.

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Not everyone is aware that as a visitor you can apply to extend your visa inside the United States.

During this pandemic, many visitors to the United States are confused or unaware of what they can do when it comes to the expiry of their visitor’s visas.

Applying to extend your visitor’s visa in the U.S.

Not everyone is aware that when their period of authorized stay is about to expire, they can apply to extend it inside the United States. The U.S.  Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) provides a means to file your application either online or on paper. The considerations that apply to an extension application are the same as those that apply to an entry. They include whether you: a) are a criminal, b) may endanger public health and safety, c) are working illegally, d) intend to live in the U.S. permanently, and e) have serious immigration issues. In addition, officials will want to ensure that your status in the U.S. remains valid, that you have not violated the conditions of your admission, and that your passport will remain valid for the duration of your stay. A reasonable explanation as to why you need the extension needs to be provided. Assuming such a reason exists, such as an illness, a funeral, an important family event, or the like, an extension is possible. The existence of the pandemic and closed borders is a factor that can be included, but it alone may not be sufficient without more. Reasonableness helps. Getting more than one extension is rare.

Just do it, as they say. Take a leap of faith if you are acting in good faith.

How it works

Most applicants for an extension are unaware of how it works . The process is arcane but can be understood. When you enter the U.S. as a visitor, you are issued a Form I-94 electronically and it determines your period of authorized stay. You must extend before your period expires. (More on this in a moment) However, even when you file for an extension, your lawful status expires on the date indicated on the I-94 form. Nonetheless, as a matter of discretion, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service will defer any removal proceedings against you until after the application is adjudicated. Even though you are not actually in a lawful status, you do not accrue any so-called “unlawful presence” and thus avoid any penalties of being barred from re-entry to the U.S. in this regard. If your application for an extension of stay is approved, the approval will relate back to the date your Form I-94 expired, and your status while your application was pending will then be considered to have been lawful. If your application is denied, you will be required to depart the United States immediately. In short, you take a leap of faith that everything will turn out alright. In addition, if your application is denied, any visa in your passport that was granted in connection with your status becomes void. This means that you will almost certainly have to return home and submit any new visa application at a U.S. consulate in your home country. Note that Canadians are exempt from this requirement of getting such visas at U.S. consulates, but almost all other visitors are not.

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Avoid these 6 target redcard mistakes for strong savings, unintentional overstays.

Applying for an extension can get even more complicated, however. One particularly nasty complication is the potential risk of unintentionally overstaying as a visitor. This can happen when a traveller neglects to determine their exact period of authorized stay. To determine his or her duration of  authorized stay, a traveller can check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) I-94  website . Sometimes, visitors simply do not know they have been issued an electronic I-94 card, or they might just assume that they have been admitted for six months because that is the normal practice, so they do not check the USCBP website to verify their period of admission.

Let’s take a concrete example to explain all this.

Suppose a Canadian citizen enters the U.S. by air on June 1 and is given a six-month period of admission, through to December 1. If he departs the U.S. say in August, and seeks readmission in September, he may only be readmitted until December 1, without any explicit notice from the USCBP official. It can happen. The official “re-validates” the original I-94 entry, rather than treating this case as a new entry. Such a Canadian would not necessarily know that he was admitted pursuant to a preexisting I-94 valid only to December 1 st , unless he checks the USCBP website. Assuming the new admission was for six months again, such a Canadian could later discover that he is out of status by missing the December 1 st deadline for leaving. In those circumstances he would be ineligible to seek an extension, and on top of that, when he leaves the U.S., would likely be blocked from reentry until he can demonstrate he has significant ties to his home country. This would include proof of employment, residency, etc., and spending six months or more there before attempting another entry.

While mostly done right, sometimes decisons at the port of entry are done wrong.

Improper decisions

This lack of notice given to the traveller is a problem because in such circumstances USCBP officers by law are required to admit travellers for a minimum period of six months, regardless of the time requested, unless the traveller’s passport is valid for only a shorter period of time. Exceptions to the minimum six-month admission may be made only in individual cases upon the specific approval of the district director for good cause. For that reason, a re-validated I-94 entry for a tourist for less than six months typically issued at primary inspection without supervisory approval violates the law. But this is cold comfort for someone trying to return to the United States on a visit discovering the surprise that he has unintentionally overstayed. The lesson here is to be careful to check your period of authorized stay

Six month rule

Another difficult issue that often arises with Canadians has to do with an unwritten rule applied by USCBP officers to the effect that the maximum period of authorized stay for Canadian visitors is six months per year. The enforcement of this practice has created undue hardships for many snowbirds who travel south for the winter but are restricted on their length of stay in America. However, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection itself says on its own website , “There is no set period of time Canadians must wait to reenter the U.S. after the end of their stay, but if it appears to the CBP officer that the person applying for entry is spending more time overall in the U.S. than in Canada, it will be up to the traveller to prove to the officer that they are not de-facto U.S. residents.”

Proceed with caution

Despite all these complexities, most visitors to the U.S. who wish to stay longer still choose to apply to extend their status. However, in the case of Canadians and Mexicans, it sometimes makes better sense just to return home for a brief time and to return to the U.S., thereby renewing their status that way even if it means possibly risking a troubled entry. The delays in processing of applications due to the pandemic are not making things any easier in this regard. Thankfully, for the most part, immigration officers are acting reasonably to help people navigate through these complications.

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How to apply for or renew a U.S. tourist visa

If you visit the U.S. for tourism or business, you may need a visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa. Learn how to get and renew this type of nonimmigrant visa.

To enter the U.S., you must bring a passport issued by your country of citizenship along with your visa. Officials at your port of entry into the U.S. will also issue you a Form I-94, which electronically records your arrival and departure dates. Learn more about Form I-94 and how to apply .

Find out if you need a visa to visit the U.S.

Check to see if your country participates in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) . If it does, you can get a waiver and will not need a visa. If you do not see your country listed, you will need a visitor visa.

Visitor (tourist) visa

The visitor visa, also known as a tourist visa, is a type of nonimmigrant visa for people who wish to temporarily enter the U.S. There are two categories:

• B-1 for business travel
• B-2 for tourism and medical treatment

Learn about B-1 and B-2 visas , including:

• Reasons you would need each type of visitor visa
• How to apply
• What documents you will need
• Application fees
• How to prepare for your interview at your U.S. embassy or consulate

How to renew a visitor visa

You must renew your visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Only diplomatic visa holders and their dependents can renew their visas within the U.S.

The process to renew a visitor visa is the same as getting one for the first time. Follow the process to apply for a visitor visa from the Department of State.

Find the contact information for your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and contact them for visa renewal information.

LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023

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Visitor Visa

Visa Waiver Program

Travel Without a Visa

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (visa category B-1), for tourism (visa category B-2), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2).

Here are some examples of activities permitted with a visitor visa:

Business (B-1)

• Consult with business associates
• Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
• Settle an estate
• Negotiate a contract

Tourism (B-2)

• Vacation (holiday)
• Visit with friends or relatives
• Medical treatment
• Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
• Participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
• Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)

Travel Purposes Not Permitted On Visitor Visas

These are some examples of activities that require different categories of visas and cannot be done while on a visitor visa:

• Paid performances, or any professional performance before a paying audience
• Arrival as a crewmember on a ship or aircraft
• Work as foreign press, in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media
• Permanent residence in the United States

Visitor visas will also not be issued for birth tourism (travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for their child).

How to Apply

There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate website .

Complete the Online Visa Application

• Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 – Learn more about completing the DS-160 . You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .

Schedule an Interview

Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.

You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live. 

Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply: 

Appointment Wait Time

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Note: Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

Prepare for your interview.

• Fees - Pay the non-refundable visa application fee , if you are required to pay it before your interview. If your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality. Fee information is provided below:

Select your nationality to see Issuance Fee

• Review the instructions available on the website of the  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  where you will apply to learn more about fee payment.

Gather Required Documentation

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

• Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ). Each individual who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including any family members listed in your passport.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
• Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview.
• Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements .

Additional Documentation May Be Required

Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:

• The purpose of your trip,
• Your intent to depart the United States after your trip, and/or
• Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.   

Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.

Note:  Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant's residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa. If you choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa.

Attend Your Visa Interview

A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a visitor visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa.   Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are taken as part of the application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further  administrative processing .  The consular officer will inform you if this required.

After the visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee (if applicable to your nationality), and make arrangements for the return of the passport and visa to you.  Review the  visa processing times  to learn more.

Entering the United States

A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. If you are allowed to enter the United States, the CBP official will provide an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Learn more about admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website .

Extending Your Stay

See  Extend Your Stay  on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website to learn about requesting to extend your stay beyond the date indicated on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94. 

Failure to depart the United States on time will result in being  out of status . Under U.S. law, visas of individuals who are out of status are automatically voided ( Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ).  Any multiple entry visa that was voided due to being out of status will not be valid for future entries into the United States. 

Failure to depart the United States on time may also result in you being ineligible for visas in the future. Review  Visa Denials  and  Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws  to learn more.

Change of Status

If your plans change while in the United States (for example, you marry a U.S. citizen or receive an offer of employment), you may be able to request a change in your nonimmigrant status to another category through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). See  Change My Nonimmigrant Status  on the USCIS website to learn more.

While you are in the United States, receiving a change of status from USCIS does not require you to apply for a new visa.  However, once you depart the United States you must apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the appropriate category for your travel.

Additional Information

• An individual on a visitor visa (B1/B2) is not permitted to accept employment or work in the United States.
• There is no guarantee you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.
• A valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States. 

Travel for Medical Treatment

If you are seeking medical treatment in the United States, the consular officer may ask for further documents at your visa interview, which may include:

• Medical diagnosis from a local physician, explaining the nature of the ailment and the reason you need treatment in the United States.
• Letter from a physician or medical facility in the United States, stating they are willing to treat your specific ailment and detailing the projected length and cost of treatment (including doctors’ fees, hospitalization fees, and all medical-related expenses).
• Proof that your transportation, medical, and living expenses in the United States will be paid. This may be in the form of bank or other statements of income/savings or certified copies of income tax returns (either yours or the person or organization paying for your treatment).

Visitor Visas for Personal or Domestic Employees (B-1)

You may apply for a B-1 visitor visa to work in the United States as a personal or domestic employee for your employer in limited situations. You may work in the United States on a visitor visa if your employer is:

• A U.S. citizen who has a permanent home or is stationed in a foreign country, but is visiting or is assigned to the United States temporarily; or
• A foreign citizen who is in the United States on one of the following nonimmigrant visa categories:  B, E, F, H, I, J, L, M, O, P, or Q.

Learn more about your rights in the United States and protection available to you by reading the Legal Rights and Protections pamphlet.

Visa Renewal

Whether you are applying for the first time or renewing your visa, you will use the same application process (please review How to Apply , above). Some applicants seeking to renew their visas in certain visa classes may be eligible for the Interview Waiver (IW) which allows qualified individuals to apply for visa renewals without being interviewed in person by a U.S. consular officer. Review the instructions on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply to determine if the IW is available and if you qualify.

Do I need a visa if I have an ABTC?

Yes, you will still need a visa to travel to the United States, unless you qualify for the  Visa Waiver Program . Having an Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC) does not change visa requirements, your visa status, or the visa process for travel to the United States.

How can I use my ABTC when I apply for my visa?

If you have an Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travelers Card (ABTC),  you might be able to schedule an expedited visa interview appointment. Review the instructions for scheduling expedited appointments on the website of the  embassy or consulate  where you will apply. 

Visa Annotations for Certain Maritime Industry Workers

Certain foreign maritime workers are eligible to apply for a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) once in the U.S. If you, as a maritime industry worker, will perform services in secure port areas, your visa must be annotated “TWIC Letter Received.” Workers whose visas are not annotated will not be permitted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to apply for a TWIC.

In order for your visa to be annotated, you must obtain a letter from your employer explaining the need for a TWIC and that you are a potential TWIC applicant. See a template example of this letter. You must present this letter when you apply for the B-1 visa. You must meet all other eligibility requirements for a B-1 visa. 

Complete information about the TWIC program is available on TSA’s website at  https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic .

Visa Denial and Ineligibility

Review  Visa Denials  for detailed information about visa ineligibilities, denials and waivers.

I was refused a visa, under Section 214(b). May I reapply?

Yes, if you feel circumstances have changed regarding your application. Review  Visa Denials  to learn more.

Misrepresentation or Fraud

Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States.

Review  Ineligibilities and Waivers: Laws .

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not require visas to enter the United States, for visit, tourism and temporary business travel purposes. For more information see  U.S. Embassy Ottawa website ,  U.S. Consulate Hamilton website  and  CBP website .

Additional resources for Canadian visitors to the United States can be found on the U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites in Canada.

Citizens of China

In accordance with the agreement signed between the United States and China to extend visa validity, beginning on November 29, 2016, Chinese citizens with 10-year B1, B2 or B1/B2 visas in Peoples’ Republic of China passports will be required to update their biographical and other information from their visa application via a website every two years, or upon getting a new passport or B1, B2, or B1/B2 visa, whichever occurs first.  This mechanism is called EVUS - Electronic Visa Update System.

The EVUS website is now open to the public for enrollments at www.EVUS.gov .  CBP will not collect a fee for EVUS enrollment at this time. CBP anticipates the eventual implementation of an EVUS enrollment fee, but does not have a time frame. Until the implementation of a fee, travelers can enroll in EVUS without charge.  The Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will keep visa holders informed of new information throughout the year. For further information, please visit  www.cbp.gov/EVUS .‎

根据美中双方签署的延长签证有效期的协议，自2016年11月29日起，凡持有10 年 期B1，B2 或 B1/B2签证的中华人民共和国护照持有人需要每两年或在获取新护照或最长有效期的B1、B2或B1/B2签证时时（以先到者为准），通过网站更新他们签证申请上的个人资料及其它信息。这个机制我们称之为EVUS –签证更新电子系统。

EVUS的登记网站 www.EVUS.gov 现已开放接受登记。美国海关和边境保护局（CBP）目前不会收取登记费用。美国海关和边境保护局预期EVUS登记收费最终会实施，但目前尚未落实执行时间。在收费实施前，旅客可以免费完成EVUS登记。美国国土安全部海关和边境保护局将在今年及时向签证持有人公布最新的信息。获取更多的信息，请访问 www.cbp.gov/EVUS 。

Citizens of Mexico

Citizens and permanent residents of Mexico generally must have a nonimmigrant visa or Border Crossing Card (also known as a "Laser Visa"). For ease of travel, the B-1/B-2 and the Border Crossing Card have been combined into one document (DSP-150). Select  Border Crossing Card  to learn more about this card.

Please visit  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  websites for more information regarding applying for a visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulates in Mexico.

Further Questions

• Case-Specific Questions - Contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling your visa application for status information. Select  U.S. Embassy or Consulate  for contact information.
• General Questions - review  Contact Us .

Visa Waiver Program  (VWP)

Tourist or business travelers who are citizens of participating countries may be eligible to visit the United States without a visa. Visits must be 90 days or less, and travelers must meet all requirements.

Citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not need visas for tourism and visits.

More Information

A-Z Index Legal Rights & Protections Lost/Stolen Travel Documents Denials Fraud Warning Visa Expiration Date Automatic Revalidation Nonimmigrants in the United States–Applying for Visas in Canada or Mexico Visa Applicants - State Sponsors of Terrorism Border Security/Safety Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Customer Service Statement

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Tourist Visa Extensions

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  How Long Can I Stay in the U.S. with a Tourist Visa Extension?

If you are approved for a tourist visa, you will typically be permitted to stay in the United States for a period of six months. If that turns out to be not enough time for you, you may request an extension of your visa. If you are successful, you can receive a maximum of six more months on your visa.

What is a Tourist Visa?

When should i submit a tourist visa extension, what are the eligibility requirements for a tourist visa extension, what if i missed the filing deadline for a tourist visa extension, are there any alternatives to applying for a visa extension, common concerns with tourist visa extensions, do i need a lawyer for a tourist visa extension.

If you are a citizen of another country and you want to travel to the United States for tourism, you will need to obtain a tourist visa. Also known as a B-2 visa or a visitor visa, a tourist visa is a temporary nonimmigrant visa issued to persons traveling to the United States from another country for vacation, visiting friends or family, or other forms of tourism.

Besides general tourism, a tourist visa may also be appropriate for other reasons, such as if you intend to:

• Receive medical treatment at a U.S. medical facility
• Take a short recreational course (i.e., not one for a degree, but for a course like cooking classes or hourly wine-tasting events where an instructor teaches you how to identify wine profiles)
• Partake in social events or amateur contests

According to U.S. immigration law, you must meet certain requirements to qualify for a tourist visa. You will need to prove all of the following:

• The sole purpose of your trip is to gain entry into the United States for tourism-related reasons temporarily
• If you intend to stay in the United States for a limited period, this is accomplished by showing that your airline ticket is round-trip.
• That you have enough money to last for the duration of the trip
• That you have a residence and other strong ties in another country and that you intend to return to that country at the end of your trip

The process to obtain a tourist visa extension can take several weeks. If you wish to apply for a tourist visa extension, you should apply at least 45 days before your visa expires. Applying in advance will ensure that there is enough time to process a tourist visa extension and that you will not risk being penalized for overstaying your visa limits.

As mentioned, a tourist visa is only valid for up to six months. Thus, those who wish to stay must apply to extend their tourist visa before the six-month time frame lapses. A tourist visa may be renewed for a maximum of six months. To qualify for a tourist visa extension, a foreign-born national will need to do the following:

• Submit their application for an extension on a timely basis
• Demonstrate that their initial entry into the United States based on a B-2 visa was obtained lawfully and not through fraudulent means
• Show that their current visa status is still valid and has not yet expired
• Assert that they did not commit any crimes that would prevent them from being approved for a tourist visa extension
• Have a valid passport during their entire trip in the United States

Sometimes, if you miss the filing deadline to apply for a tourist visa extension or if your current visa lapses before an extension is fully processed, the application may still be accepted. You will have to provide the following information:

• That the delay in filing was due to extraordinary circumstances that were beyond their control (e.g., a medical emergency)
• That you have not acted in any manner that would be considered a violation of nonimmigrant status conditions
• That you still intend to remain a nonimmigrant and are not delaying to file for lawful permanent resident status (a green card)
• That you are not currently involved in any formal removal (deportation) proceedings

There is one alternative to applying for a visa extension that is available to tourist visa holders: filing for lawful permanent resident status. Note that you must choose between applying for an extension and applying for permanent residence. Filing for lawful permanent resident status will automatically bar you from obtaining a visa extension.

The reason is that the two visas are mutually exclusive. In applying for permanent residence, you attest that you want to remain in the U.S. indefinitely. In contrast, in applying for a visa extension, you attest that you intend to be in the United States for only a short period.

It takes 1 – 3 years to gain permanent residency. If you are in the U.S. when you apply, the U.S. government expects you to return home and wait. However, you will not necessarily have to wait out the full application processing time because, after 1 year, you can re-apply for a different type of visa. So long as you did not violate the conditions of your tourist visa or any other U.S. immigration law, a new visa will allow you to re-enter the United States while you wait for your permanent residence application to be processed.

Tourist visas are one of the most sought-after types of nonimmigrant visas. Unfortunately, their conditions are often violated by people who intentionally or mistakenly overstay their visas. This has led to them becoming one of the most highly regulated visa forms.

Foreigners who violate a tourist visa or an extension will be ordered to immediately depart from the United States and return to their home country. Such violations can also prevent a nonimmigrant traveler from being allowed to return to the United States. Some other concerns regarding tourist visa extensions include:

• Applicants should be aware that those who enter the United States on a tourist visa but intend to get married during their stay may be found to have committed immigration marriage fraud
• A common concern with tourist visa extensions is that applicants may run out of money to fund their stay in the United States. Since foreign-born nationals are not permitted to obtain work on a tourist visa, they should make sure they have enough money to last throughout not only their initial tourist visa period but also throughout their time on an extended visa.
• Another concern with a tourist visa extension is if an applicant files too early. While an applicant should not delay as it gets closer to their visa lapsing, those who file immediately upon entry into the U.S. may lead immigration officials to believe that they intend to stay longer than for a temporary period. Such acts can disqualify an applicant from receiving a tourist visa or an extension.
• Any action that indicates to immigration officials that a foreign tourist intends to stay in the United States longer than they are permitted to by their visa will give rise to suspicion of a violation.

It is very important that a foreign-born national adhere to the conditions specified by their tourist visa. This will help ensure that they are not only approved for an extension but also so that they do not incur immigration penalties.

As discussed above, if you intend to apply for a tourist visa extension, it may be in your best interest to hire a local immigration lawyer for further legal guidance. An experienced immigration lawyer can assist you with applying for an extension and can ensure that you meet all of the necessary filing deadlines.

Your lawyer can also assist you in gathering the required documents to support your visa extension application, as well as make sure that it contains no errors that would lead to a delay in processing. Additionally, if you have overstayed your current visa or have missed the deadline for filing, your lawyer can help you navigate the potential legal issues that might arise in connection with an expired tourist visa.

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How to Extend U.S. Tourist Visa – Step-by-Step Guide

The tourist visa allows you to stay in the US for up to six months. If you want to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for an extension. The process can be confusing, but this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about extending your US tourist visa step by step.

Apply Online

In this article…

Introduction: Applying for a U.S. Visa Extension of Stay

When traveling to the United States on a tourist visa, you are typically allowed to stay for up to six months. If you want to stay longer than that, you will need to apply for an extension of stay.

The first step is to determine if you are eligible for an extension.

You must have a valid reason for wanting to stay longer, such as continuing your vacation, visiting family or friends, or attending a business or conference.

You also must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from the United States.

If you meet these requirements, the next step is to complete the necessary paperwork.

The application for an extension of stay is known as the I-539 form . This can be obtained from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website or from a U.S. embassy or consulate .

Once you have the form, you will need to fill it out completely and accurately.

Be sure to include all required supporting documentation , such as evidence of your ties to your home country, proof of financial support, and a letter from your employer (if applicable).

After you have submitted your application, it will take approximately four to six weeks for a decision to be made .

If your extension is approved, you will be issued a new I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, which will reflect the new expiration date of your stay in the United States.

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Eligibility Requirements for a U.S. Visa Extension

There are a number of reasons why someone might want to extend their stay in the United States beyond the date stamped in their passport. Perhaps they are taking part in long-term research, completing a degree, or participating in an exchange program.

Whatever the reason, there are a few key eligibility requirements that must be met in order to qualify for a U.S. visa extension.

The first and most obvious requirement is that the applicant must already hold a valid U.S. visa.

This can be any nonimmigrant visa, such as a student visa (F or M visa), work visa (H or L visa), or exchange visitor visa (J visa).

The visa must be valid on the day that the extension application is filed, and it must remain valid throughout the duration of the extension.

The second requirement is that the applicant must have a valid passport.

The passport must be from the same country as the visa, and it must be valid for at least six months beyond the planned date of departure from the United States.

The third requirement is that the applicant must have a reason for wanting to extend their stay.

The most common reasons are listed above, but there are other acceptable reasons as well.

For example, someone might need to extend their stay in order to receive medical treatment or to attend an important business meeting.

The fourth requirement is that the applicant must prove that they have the financial means to support themselves during their extended stay.

This usually involves providing evidence of employment, scholarships, or financial aid.

The fifth and final requirement is that the applicant must not have any outstanding immigration violations.

This means that they must have complied with the terms of their previous visa, and they must not have been involved in any criminal activity.

If the applicant meets all of these requirements, then they will likely be eligible for a U.S. visa extension.

The extension will usually be granted for the same length of time as the original visa, though in some cases it may be shorter or longer.

Documents Required for a U.S. Visa Extension

When applying for a U.S. visa extension, you will need to submit the following documents:

1. A completed visa extension application form .

2. Your current passport and a copy of your previous passport(s), if applicable.

3. Two recent passport-style photographs.

4. A letter from your employer or educational institution detailing your current status and explaining why you need to extend your stay in the United States.

5. Evidence of financial support, such as bank statements or a letter from your sponsor.

6. If you are applying for an extension of stay based on your employment, you will also need to submit evidence of your employment, such as pay stubs or a letter from your employer.

7. If you are applying for an extension of stay based on your studies, you will need to submit evidence of your enrollment, such as a letter from your school.

8. If you are applying for an extension of stay based on your family ties in the United States, you will need to submit evidence of your relationship, such as birth or marriage certificates.

9. If you have ever been arrested or convicted of a crime, you will need to submit certified copies of your court records.

10. If you have ever been denied a U.S. visa or entry into the United States, you will need to submit evidence of the denial, such as a copy of the denial notice.

11. You may also be required to submit additional documents, such as medical records or police clearances.

What is the fee for US tourist visa extension?

There is no set fee for extending a US tourist visa, as the cost will vary depending on the individual case. However, it is generally recommended that applicants budget for an additional $200-$300 in fees, in addition to the cost of the original visa application .

What if Your U.S. Visa Extension Application Is Denied?

If you have applied for a visa extension and your application is denied, you will need to leave the United States.

You may be able to reapply for a new visa, but it is important to consult with an immigration attorney before doing so. If you overstay your visa, you may be barred from returning to the United States for several years.

How Long Does the U.S. Visa Extension Process Take?

The U.S. visa extension process can take from six weeks up to four months.

However, it is important to note that this is an estimate and the actual time frame may vary depending on the individual case.

There are a number of factors that can influence the length of the visa extension process, including the type of visa being extended, the country of origin, and the current immigration status of the applicant.

In some cases, the process may be expedited if the applicant is able to provide additional documentation or evidence to support their request.

Tips for a Successful U.S. Visa Extension Application

1. Start your visa extension application as soon as possible.

2. Gather all required documents, including evidence of your ties to your home country.

3. Pay the application fee and submit your application.

4. Wait for a decision from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

So, don’t fret. Extending your tourist visa is not difficult. If you have a genuine case, USCIS will help you extend your stay in the U.S. But make sure your application is proper.

There are a few things you can do to ease your anxiety around extending your tourist visa in the US.

First, make sure you have all of the required documents and information in order.

Second, reach out to an immigration lawyer or another professional who can help guide you through the process.

Finally, remember that many people successfully extend their tourist visas in the US every year, so try to stay positive and keep perspective.

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• National Media Release

CBP Offers Flexibility to Departing Visa Waiver Program Travelers

Travelers affected by coronavirus may apply for extended term of admission.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced today that Visa Waiver Program travelers who have been granted satisfactory departure may apply for an additional 30-day extension of their admission period if they remain unable to depart the United States because of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The extension grants flexibility to Visa Waiver Program travelers who have difficulty returning to their countries due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions, flight cancellations or illness. Travelers who are granted satisfactory departure will have an additional 30 days to depart the United States after their lawful period of admission concludes.

Visa Waiver Program travelers may seek satisfactory departure by contacting:

• Any local CBP Port of Entry or Deferred Inspection Site ; or
• The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Contact Center .

Travelers should be prepared to provide their passport number when submitting their request.

Travelers generally must apply for satisfactory departure before their current period of admission expires. Grants of satisfactory departure are made at the discretion of the reviewing CBP Officer.

Travelers who remain in the United States beyond their lawful period of admission lose their eligibility to travel under the Visa Waiver Program and may be subject to additional penalties under U.S. law.

The Visa Waiver Program enables eligible nationals of 39 countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa. Visa Waiver Program travelers generally are not eligible to extend their stay or change their status after arriving in the United States. Under current regulations, however, CBP in its discretion may grant periods of satisfactory departure of up to 30 days if an emergency prevents the departure of a Visa Waiver Program traveler.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.

What Is Form I-539: Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status?

If you’re in the United States on a nonimmigrant visa and you need to stay past your visa’s expiration date, you can apply for an extension using Form I-539: Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. To use Form I-539, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, return the completed form to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and pay a $370 filing fee plus $85 for biometrics. This article explains how to fill out Form I-539 and who is eligible to use it to extend their stay in the United States.

Written by Jonathan Petts .  Updated June 20, 2022

What Is Form I-539?

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), an agency of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is responsible for processing Form I-539 , Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. Certain nonimmigrant visa holders, including temporary visitors, who want to change their visa status or extend their visa length will need to use Form I-539. Applicants may use Form I-539 to prolong their stay under their current nonimmigrant visa temporarily. 

Applicants requesting to change their status may only change to other nonimmigrant visa statuses. Applicants can usually also list their dependents (spouse or children) as co-applicants on the same Form I-539 to extend or change their family statuses. If you have a qualifying familial connection to U.S. citizens or green card holders and want to stay permanently, you may instead wish to apply for permanent residency. If this is the case, you can file Form I-485 to initiate the green card application process.

Who Is Eligible To File Form I-539 for an Extension of Stay?

You are eligible to file Form I-539 if you hold one of the following visa statuses:

A visa (career diplomats and their immediate relatives)

A-3 visa (attendants, employees, or immediate relatives of A-visa holders)

B visa (foreign nationals visiting for business or tourism)

CW-1 dependents (temporarily hired nonimmigrant workers)

E visa (treaty traders, investors, and their dependents)

G visa (foreign government representatives and their immediate family members)

G-5 visa (attendants, employees, or immediate relatives of foreign government representatives)

H-4 visa (dependents of temporary specialty workers )

K-3 visa (fiancé(e) or minor child of a U.S. citizen)

K-4 visa (dependents of U.S. citizens, including spouses and minor children)

L visa (spouse or children dependents of intracompany dependents)

M visa (vocational students and their spouse or children dependents)

N visa (parents or children of certain special immigrants)

NATO-7 visa (attendants, employees, and immediate relatives of NATO representatives)

O-3 visa (spouse and minor children dependents of individuals with extraordinary abilities)

P-4 visa (spouse and minor children dependents of athletes and entertainers)

R-2 visa (spouse and minor children dependents of religious workers)

TD visa (spouse and minor children dependents of TN visa holders)

T visa (trafficking victims and their spouse or minor children dependents)

U visa (crime victims and their spouse or minor children dependents)

V visa (spouse or minor children dependents of certain green card holders)

Your eligibility depends on whether you have violated the terms of your current visa. As long as you have not violated the terms of your qualifying visa status, you may file Form I-539. Common visa term violations include unauthorized work or criminal convictions. If you fail to apply for an extension to your Form I-94 , Arrival/Departures Travel Record, you may also risk your eligibility to remain in the United States.

Who Isn’t Eligible To File Form I-539 for an Extension of Stay?

Certain nonimmigrant visa holders aren’t eligible to use Form I-539 to extend their stay or adjust their status. Those with the following visas are not eligible:

C visa (“alien in transit”)

D visa (crewman)

K-1 and K-2 visa (fiancé(e) or dependents of fiancé(e))

K-3 and K-4 visa (certain spouses of U.S. citizens, along with their dependent children)

S visa (witnesses and informants)

TWOV visa (transit without a visa)

WT and WB visa (individuals entering under the Visa Waiver Program)

Foreign nationals under the following visa categories face certain restrictions on requesting a change in status:

J-1 visa (exchange visitors)

M-1 visa (vocational students)

Timeline for Filing Form I-539

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recommends that applicants file Form I-539 at least 45 days before their current stay expires and/or as soon as they realize the need to extend or change their visa status. Sometimes, if USCIS has approved you for another visa, you’ll need to file Form I-539 to extend your original visa stay if there is a gap between your original and new visa periods.

If you don’t file Form I-539 before your visa’s expiration date, USCIS may make some exceptions to this timeline if:

You faced extraordinary circumstances preventing you from filing on time.

The lateness of your application is reasonable.

You haven’t violated any of your visa status conditions.

You have shown that you are a nonimmigrant with no intentions of remaining permanently in the United States.

You are not part of any U.S. removal proceedings.

Guide To Completing Form I-539

Form I-539 has four main sections. The form asks questions regarding your biographical information, application type, processing information, and additional information about you and your application. Before beginning this form, you should review the Form I-539 instruction guide published by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Part 1: Information About You

Part 1 asks basic biographical questions about yourself. Question 2 asks whether you have an Alien Registration Number (A-number). A-numbers consist of eight or nine digits. 

You will only have an A-number if you have previously been part of a removal proceeding at an immigration court. You should speak with an immigration lawyer before applying for your extension if you have an A-number.

If you have filed any previous petitions or applications online, you should have a USCIS Online Account Number for Question 3. USCIS Online Account Numbers are different from A-numbers.

Question 9 asks for your U.S. Social Security Number (SSN), if applicable. You will likely only have an SSN if your visa status permits you to work in the United States.

Questions 11–16

Question 11 asks for your Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Number. You may find this number on the small white card you received from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the border, or on the I-94 website. If the date on your Form I-94 has passed, your visa status has expired, so you may no longer apply for an extension with Form I-539.

If you entered the United States with your passport, you can write “N/A” in the travel document box for Question 13. If the travel document or passport you used has expired since your arrival, you should write the passport number and expiration date of the passport you used when you first received your Form I-94. 

When completing your current nonimmigrant status for Question 15, write in your visa status. You may find the expiration date for Question 15 on your Form I-94. Nonimmigrants in the United States with J visa status should check the box in Question 16, since their Form I-94 may say D/S. If this is the case, you’ll be able to remain in the United States until your study program finishes.

Part 2: Application Type

Part 2 will ask you about your application type. You will note whether you are applying for reinstatement to your student status, an extension of stay in your current status, or a status change. If you have the same or linked visa status with your dependents, you can also include information about them. If you include your spouse or children on this USCIS form, you might need to submit Form I-539A , Supplemental Information for Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.

Part 3: Processing Information

Part 3 will ask you to input the date you’d prefer to leave the United States. This date must fall within the maximum period USCIS has granted you on your visa status. Question 2.a asks whether you are basing your current application on an extension or change of status already given to your spouse, child, or parent. If so, answer “yes.”

In Part 3, you may indicate whether you have dependents you would like to include in your application. If you do wish to include your dependents in your visa extension, be sure to answer Question 3.a with “yes, filed with this Form I-539.” If you want to include your dependents on your Form I-539 and USCIS has not yet decided on their application(s), you should answer “yes, filed previously and pending with the USCIS” for Question 3.a.

Part 4: Additional Information About the Applicant

Part 4 assesses your passport, visa, immigrant petition, and inadmissibility status details. The first questions of Part 4 ask you to input information such as your passport country, expiration date, and number. You’ll need to complete this section even if your passport expires. If your passport’s expiration date is during the extension period, you may renew it at a U.S.-based consulate of your home country. Your passport should typically be valid for at least six months before leaving the U.S.

If your application references past applications for an immigrant visa, USCIS may be alarmed. Immigrant visa applications signal that you are interested in remaining in the United States as an immigrant. Since USCIS is deciding on an extension on your nonimmigrant visa status, they may reject your extension because they suspect you don’t intend on eventually returning to your home country. Filing an immigrant petition is the first step toward applying for U.S. permanent residence. When USCIS suspects you intend to reside in the United States permanently, they likely won’t approve extensions of your nonimmigrant status.

Inadmissibility 

Later questions determine whether you’re inadmissible to the United States. Inadmissibility happens when you have committed certain crimes or violated U.S. immigration laws. USCIS will use your answers from questions six to 15 to determine whether you are inadmissible or not. If you have any criminal history, submit a copy of the police report explaining the circumstances. If you’ve committed more serious crimes, you should seek help from an immigration attorney before applying for an extension.

Visa violations, such as overstaying your visa , working without a proper employment authorization document ( EAD ), and misrepresenting your intended length of stay can jeopardize your extension application.

What Supporting Documents Are Needed?

You’ll need to provide several supporting documents as part of your Form I-539 application, including:

Your printed Form I-94 , which shows your complete travel record

Copies of your passport pages (including any blank pages)

Proof that you have enough financial support to cover your expenses in the U.S. for an extended stay

A letter explaining your reason for extending your stay, why you can prove that your stay is temporary, and the impact your extended stay has on your foreign employment or residency options

Note that your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the U.S.

Form I-539 Filing Information  

Form I-539 incurs a filing fee of $370. You must also pay a biometric fee of $85 for yourself and another $85 for each additional co-applicant. In total, your filing and biometric fee costs will be at least $455. You’ll be able to pay with a check, money order, or cashier’s check. If you pay with a check, make the check out to the US Department of Homeland Security. If you’re filing at a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Lockbox facility, you may also pay by credit card using Form G-1450 , Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.

If your extension application is unsuccessful, you’ll still need to pay these fees. Even if you withdraw your application before USCIS makes a decision, you won’t be able to get a refund on your filing fees.

Applicants who currently hold one of the following visas will not incur a biometric services fee or filing fee for extension and change of status applications:

A-1, A-2, and A-3 visa

G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, and G-5 visa

NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, and NATO-6 visa

Applicants changing into or extending the following visas aren’t required to submit the biometric services fee:

E-1, E-2, E-2C, E-3, and E-3D visa

How to Submit Your Form I-539

Most applicants mail their Form I-539 to the appropriate USCIS filing address . Be sure to use the correct USCIS mailing address to ensure that they receive your completed application. If you send your application in by mail, be sure that your application contains a copy of each required document and a copy of your proof of payment.

If you don’t have co-applicants, you can also choose to submit the form online . To do so, you must have one of the following visa statuses:

B-1 temporary business visitor

B-2 temporary tourist visitor

M-1 vocational student

M-2 spouse or child dependent of an M-1 student (but only if the M-2 dependent’s visa expiration date is different from the M-1 student’s visa expiration date)

F-1 academic student

F-2 spouse or child dependent of an F-1 student (but only if the F-2 dependent’s visa expiration date is different from the F-1 student’s visa expiration date)

Nonimmigrant visa holders may experience sudden changes while in the U.S. and need to temporarily extend their stay or adjust their status. Form I-539 allows them to do so. Also, as a nonimmigrant visa holder, if you become an immediate relative of a U.S. citizen or green card holder, you may become eligible to apply for a green card. 

Continue reading and learning!

• Entering, Transiting and Departing

Seeking Extension of Visit Pass

A short-term visit pass (STVP), generally in the form of an electronic visit pass or e-Pass, is issued at the point of entry to visitors who are eligible for entry and short-term stay in Singapore as a tourist; for social visit, or medical treatment. To check the validity of your STVP, you may use the  visit pass validity tool  or the e-Pass enquiry portal .

Visitors issued with a STVP shall not engage in any form of employment (paid or unpaid), business, profession, or occupation in Singapore during the validity of the STVP, unless they hold a valid work pass issued under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990 or are engaging in Work Pass Exempt Activities .

Extension of Stay

All STVP extension applications must be submitted online. Walk-in applications will not be accepted.

Visitors who need to extend their STVP may submit an application for extension of stay by using the e-Service , up to 14 days before the STVP expires. This facility is only applicable to STVPs issued by ICA and can be used to apply for an extension of stay for either up to 30 days or up to 89 days (only for applicants with immediate family members who are SC/PR). The period of extension granted is subject to ICA’s assessment. An e-notification on the application outcome will be sent to the email provided in the application. A physical endorsement is not required for approved applications for extension of stay submitted using the e-Service.

For STVPs issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to foreigners (e.g., upon cancellation of MOM-issued passes such as Work Pass/Dependant’s Pass, or extended stay for confinement nannies), please visit MOM’s website or email them for assistance at [email protected] .

Local Sponsor Requirement

You will require a local sponsor to support your application for extension of stay if you are:

• Seeking an extension of up to 89 days from your date of entry; or
• A national of the countries or holder of the passports listed below.

The local sponsor must be either a Singapore citizen or a Singapore permanent resident (PR) who is at least 21 years old with a Singpass account. If he/she does not have a Singpass account, please apply for one using  www.singpass.gov.sg .

You will need the following documents to apply for an extension of stay using the  e-Service :

• Valid travel document (e.g. passport). You must submit a scan of the page in your travel document that shows your personal particulars.
• Disembarkation/Embarkation (D/E) number that can be found in your SG Arrival Card

Additional documents or clarifications may be required on a case-by-case basis, and you and your local sponsor (if applicable) may be requested to upload the scanned copies of the original documents during the online submission, or to bring the original documents for an interview at the Visitor Services Centre, which is located on Level 4 of the ICA Building. Some examples are below-

• For visitors with immediate family members who are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents:  original supporting documents may be required to establish the relationship.
• For visitors seeking extension of stay for medical treatment : a completed FormV75 duly endorsed by a registered doctor in Singapore with details of the illness and the period of stay required.
• All STVP extension applications must be submitted online using the e-Service . Walk-in applications will not be accepted.
• If you are unable to apply for an extension of STVP online, you may email  [email protected]  with the screenshot of the error message and the following details for further assistance.
• Applicant’s Full Name;
• Applicant’s Date of Birth;
• Applicant’s Passport Number;
• Applicant’s FIN (if any);
• Application Reference Number (if any);
• Sponsor’s NRIC (if any);
• Contact Number.

Upon approval, you may need to pay the following non-refundable fees:

• Extension Fee: An extension fee of S$40 is applicable if the extension granted leads to the applicant staying in Singapore for a period of 90 days or more from the date of entry/issuance of pass. This fee is also applicable for every subsequent block of 90 days from the date of entry/issuance of pass (e.g., fee of $40 would be applicable again if the extension granted leads to the applicant staying in Singapore for a period of 180 days or more from the date of entry/issuance of pass.).
• Visa Fee (where applicable): For visa-required visitors, a fee of S$30 is applicable if you have stayed in Singapore beyond the relevant visa-free period.

The stay extension will only be granted when payment is made. If payment is not made on time, the application will be withdrawn. You are advised to depart on or before the expiry date of your existing STVP.

Payment Options

For online applications using ICA e-Services, payment can be made via:

• Visa or MasterCard (Credit, Debit)
• American Express (AMEX)
• Internet Direct Debit (Citibank, DBS/POSB, OCBC, UOB and Standard Chartered Bank internet banking accounts in Singapore)

For applications made over the counter at ICA, we accept payment via:

• NETS (Debit, Flashpay)
• NETS QR (DBS Paylah, OCBC Pay Anyone, UOB Mighty)
• Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay

The extension of Visit Pass will be processed within three working days.

To check the status of your extension of stay application, please use the Enquire Application Status function of the e-Service by keying in your:

• Travel document number and Disembarkation/Embarkation number; or
• Travel document number and travel document expiry date.

Related Links

• Document - Form 14 (142 KB)
• Document - Form V75 (308 KB)
• Apply for/Renew Long-Term Visit Pass
• Payment/Refund FAQs

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Extend your stay in Canada: How to apply

• 1. About the process
• 2. Who can apply
• 3. How to apply
• 4. After you apply
• 5. Travelling outside Canada

Floods in British Columbia

If you were directly affected by the floods, there may be special measures for you.

Find out how to apply

Your fingerprints and photo (biometrics)

Book your biometrics collection appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays. Find out how to give biometrics .

How to apply for a visitor record

You must apply online for your visitor record to extend your stay as a

• worker authorized to work a without work permit or
• student authorized to study without a study permit

If you plan to travel outside Canada or the United States You must meet our entry requirements to return to Canada .

Applying online

When you apply online, we get your application instantly, which can help us process your application faster. If you already applied on paper, you don’t have to resubmit your application online.

How applying online helps you

• No courier fees or mail delivery time – we get your application instantly.
• Your application may be processed more quickly.
• It helps you make sure your application is complete before you submit it.
• You can quickly submit more documents online (if we ask you to).
• You get updates on the status of your application directly in your online account.

Step 1: Make sure you have what you need

To apply online, you’ll need:

• a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents, and
• a valid credit or debit card.

Step 2: Read the instruction guide

Even if you apply online, you should read the instruction guide before you complete your application. The guide will explain how to complete each field on the form.

Venezuelan passport holders

You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application .

If the printed expiry date on your Venezuelan passport has passed

If the printed expiry date has passed and you’re applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or to extend your stay as a temporary resident in Canada, follow these steps:

• Add 5 years to the printed expiry date shown on your passport and enter it in the expiry date field of the application form.
• Include a letter of explanation with your application stating: “I am a Venezuelan national with a Venezuelan passport, which has been extended for 5 years”.

Warning: If your passport is still expired after adding 5 years to the printed expiry date, your passport is considered expired. You’re not eligible to submit an application with that passport.

Step 3: Prepare your answers for the online tool

Before you can upload your forms, you must answer some questions. We use your answers to create a personalized document checklist for you. To apply for a visitor record, you must provide these answers in the online tool:

• For the first question “What would you like to do in Canada?”, select “Visit.”
• When asked “What is your current country/territory of residence?”, select “Canada.”

Step 4: Create your online account or sign in

You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to:

• pay your fees
• submit your application
• check your status

If you can’t apply online

You can submit a paper application in any of these situations:

• you can’t apply online because of a disability
• there’s a problem with the online application

What to do if you can’t apply online

Credit cards and prepaid cards

We accept credit cards and prepaid cards from:

• MasterCard ®
• American Express ®
• UnionPay ®  (for online applications only; debit cards not accepted)

If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for  at least  18 months after you pay to make refunds easier.  Find more on prepaid cards .

We also accept all Visa Debit cards.

The card you use doesn't have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

Debit cards

• be from a Canadian bank using  INTERAC ®  Online , and
• be registered for online banking through your bank’s website.

We also accept all Debit MasterCard ®  and Visa ®  Debit cards. If your card has the Visa Debit logo on it, alone or with the INTERAC ®  Online logo, select Visa Debit as your payment method.

The card you use does not have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

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Cost of work visas surges, upping the ante for multitude of California’s small businesses

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When his entertainment industry clients want to hire foreign actors for a film shoot, Los Angeles immigration attorney Ally Bolour has to time the visa filings carefully, to secure their entry close to the production start date while meeting the tight schedules of performers. Often, there’s little wiggle room.

Now, Bolour’s clients not only must pay more for visa filings but also face a potentially longer wait. Bolour usually applies under expedited “premium processing.” That fee went up 12% to $2,805 while the new turnaround time was lengthened from two to three weeks.

This is one example of what California businesses face in the wake of the U.S. government’s sweeping visa fee increases, some of them astronomical, and other related changes that took effect April 1.

Employers of foreign workers would pay more under Biden proposal

The plan would hike costs for companies that employ foreign workers and ensure that asylum seekers pay nothing to apply for protections in the U.S.

Jan. 3, 2023

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services says the fee hikes are necessary to keep operating and prevent its current backlog of cases from piling even higher. But lawyers, immigrant advocates and small businesses say it’s an unfair burden. Some have sued to stop the fee increases from taking place.

“It’s a big, extra out-of-pocket expense, and you get no extra benefit,” said Stuart Anderson, executive director of the National Foundation for American Policy, a Washington think tank that favors higher levels of immigration.

The changes come as demand for certain foreign labor, especially high-skilled workers, has surged, in part as companies expand their efforts in artificial intelligence and other emerging fields. The country also continues to grapple with labor shortages in various industries.

Although some argue that popular visa programs such as H-1B allow employers to substitute cheaper foreign engineers and computer scientists for American workers, others say being able to recruit talent from around the world is indispensable for their growth.

“It’s not necessarily about the talent available in the U.S.,” said Brian Riley, vice president of global talent acquisition at Riot Games, a leading video game company based in Los Angeles, with offices and customers in different parts of the world.

Recruiting globally, he said, enables the company to hire the best people for specific roles, and to bring in talent that understands the global audience. “It has huge impact on our ability to continue to make or to improve products that resonate with players across all regions, not just the U.S,” Riley said.

Riot Games, which employs about 4,400 people globally, including 2,900 in its Los Angeles office, was one of the top H-1B users in Los Angeles in fiscal 2023, with 83 approvals. Led by tech companies, California employers overall accounted for more than 19,300 H-1B approvals for initial employment in 2023, or 16.3% of the nation’s total. Texas was second, with 15%.

California businesses also depend on foreign workers for temporary help at farms and to fill seasonal openings at resort hotels and tourist sites. Visa application fees for those workers more than doubled to $1,090.

As of April 1, the cost to file an H-1B application, which allows skilled foreign nationals to work in the United States for up to six years, rose 70% to $780. Tack on fees for registration and fraud prevention, attorney costs and extras such as premium processing, and the H-1B petition expense could easily come to several thousand dollars per prospective employee.

For small employers, “I think it’s a real hardship for people,” said San Francisco attorney Lisa Spiegel, whose team of 15 immigration specialists at the law firm Duane Morris handles thousands of visa petitions every year. She said they had worked round the clock in recent weeks to beat the April 1 fee increase for clients.

Among the sharpest increases, the filing fee for the L-1, which allows an employer to transfer one of its overseas-based workers to the U.S., tripled to $1,385. And employers now must pay a new, $600 fee for certain employment-based visas to offset the cost of processing asylum applications, which are free and have skyrocketed in recent years.

Katherine Belcher, spokesperson for the federal immigration agency, said the new fees are the result of a comprehensive review that found shortfalls in recovering the full cost of operations, including humanitarian programs, mandatory pay raises and additional staffing requirements. The agency receives very little funding from Congress, and it last imposed a fee hike in 2016.

Belcher said the agency’s analysis indicates that the fee hikes won’t significantly affect business development and employee expansion. The new fee rule also ensures waivers for low-income and vulnerable populations, and expands exemptions for certain humanitarian benefits.

Democratic Rep. Zoe Lofgren of San Jose, a member of the House Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship, says the immigration agency has made progress in streamlining operations, but it needs more staff and to go increasingly to electronic filing rather than doing things by paper.

“Given that they’re fee-funded, they’re in a bind and have to do something,” she said.

For big employers such as Google, Apple and Meta — the top three H-1B visa getters in California — the higher fees are little more than an annoyance and won’t hinder their efforts to recruit people from abroad, though they will still add millions of dollars in expenses. Despite rising overall unemployment and layoffs in tech, the competition for skilled workers remains fierce. And tech companies aren’t likely to let hundreds or even thousands of dollars of extra fees get in the way of their global search for the best workers.

“We have also recognized that the fees have increased, but they haven’t increased in a way that we view them as prohibitive,” said Riley of Riot Games. “The value in the diverse perspectives that [global employees] bring to the organization — they put us in a position to see a return that’s much greater than what we might pay in processing fees.”

It’s another story for some small employers. There are dozens in Los Angeles alone that received just three or four H-1B visa approvals last year; they include tech companies, banks, law firms and engineering and healthcare enterprises.

For them, it’s about both the cost and the timeliness of approvals. Yet it remains to be seen whether the $1.1 billion in additional annual revenue that the agency expects to generate will mean faster and better processing of visa petitions.

“It’s the million-dollar question,” said Spiegel, the San Francisco attorney.

The increases probably will cause companies to pull back on some immigration benefits they support, said Lynden Melmed, who was chief counsel for the immigration agency from 2007 to 2009 and now oversees government strategies for the law firm BAL . That includes paying employees’ spouses’ application fees, certain travel benefits or premium processing for speedier responses.

For those who say companies undercut American workers by hiring immigrants, Melmed said the fee increases prove otherwise: “Once you get into those size numbers they’re more expensive than a non-foreign worker — it’s because they have particular skills.”

Absent congressional support, he said, the agency will eventually have to confront whether to meet humanitarian needs or drive fees even higher.

“It’s almost like you’ve bled out the source of your fees,” he said. “Businesses have been very supportive, but at a certain point that might cause a conflict between businesses and humanitarian programs.”

More than a million could die waiting for green cards as U.S. immigration buckles amid COVID

Delays processing millions of visas, work permits, green cards, naturalization petitions and cases languishing in immigration courts are so severe that experts say they can’t be resolved without significant reforms.

Aug. 4, 2022

For immigrant workers, the higher fees are stoking both anger and worry.

Anuj Christian, 38, a development operations engineer at a company in Washington, D.C., came to the U.S. from India in 2009 on a student visa and got his first H-1B in 2013. Since then, his firm has paid to renew the visa a handful of times. Christian requested that The Times not identify his company for privacy reasons.

His most recent visa extension is pending. But Christian, who is in touch with many other Indian nationals with work visas, said they were angry when they learned the fees would go up.

Workers such as Christian are eligible for permanent residency through sponsorship from their employer. But backlogs have become extremely lengthy for people from certain countries including India, because only 7% of green cards granted each year can go to people of any given nationality. They must continually renew their temporary employment visas until they reach the front of the line, which can take decades.

The way Christian sees it, money that could otherwise go into an employee’s pocket is spent on visa processing.

“Technically we are not paying the fees, the employer has to pay, but it trickles down to us,” he said.

Bolour, the L.A. attorney, says the extra visa expenses have made some clients delay planned expansions to the U.S. He said one business owner, an accountant with operations in Mexico City who wants to set up in Los Angeles, had less than $60,000 in capital. With filing fees costing $3,000, every dollar saved mattered.

“In their mind, they are coming to create jobs,” Bolour said. “They see [the extra fees] as a tax, as a surcharge, as something that’s not fair.”

More to Read

Opinion: How anti-immigrant bigotry hugely misunderstands our economy

April 9, 2024

Your guide to California’s new $20-an-hour minimum wage for fast food workers

April 1, 2024

This Cal State immigration clinic provides free legal advice. It might come to a ‘full stop’

March 15, 2024

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Andrea Castillo covers immigration. Before joining the Los Angeles Times, she covered immigrant, ethnic and LGBTQ+ communities for the Fresno Bee. She got her start at the Oregonian in Portland. A native of Seattle, she’s been making her way down the West Coast since her graduation from Washington State University.

Don Lee writes economic stories out of Washington, D.C. Since joining the Los Angeles Times in 1992, he has served as the Shanghai bureau chief and in various editing and reporting roles in California. Lee previously worked at the Kansas City Star. He is a native of Seoul, Korea, and graduated from the University of Chicago.

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USCIS Addresses Work Permit Limbo With Longer Automatic Extensions

To maintain economic growth, the biden administration expanded labor visa opportunities in 2023, apr 8, 2024.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced changes to the automatic extension period for certain employment authorization documents (EADs) , saving nearly 800,000 EAD renewal applicants from a lapse in work authorization. Automatic extensions will now go up to 540 days, a significant improvement from the previous 180-day period.

USCIS estimates that approximately 60,000 to 80,000 employers across the U.S. would have been negatively impacted as a result of the lapse.

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“Temporarily lengthening the existing automatic extension up to 540 days will avoid lapses in employment authorizations,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “At the same time, this rule provides DHS with an additional window to consider long-term solutions by soliciting public comments, and identifying new strategies to ensure those noncitizens eligible for employment authorization can maintain that benefit.” The temporary final rule will apply to all eligible EAD applicants with a pending renewal application who filed on or after Oct. 27, 2023. EAD applicants eligible for the 540-day renewal include those filing for asylum , Temporary Protected Status (TPS) , and adjustment of status .

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USCIS Increases Automatic Extension of Certain Employment Authorization Documents to Improve Access to Work Permits

WASHINGTON — Building on extensive modernization efforts that have streamlined and improved access to work permits for eligible noncitizens, USCIS today announced a  temporary final rule (TFR) to increase the automatic extension period for certain employment authorization documents (EADs) from up to 180 days to up to 540 days. This announcement follows improvements that have reduced processing times for EADs significantly over the past year.

The temporary measure announced today will prevent already work-authorized noncitizens from having their employment authorization and documentation lapse while waiting for USCIS to adjudicate their pending EAD renewal applications and better ensure continuity of operations for U.S. employers. This is the latest step by the Biden-Harris Administration to get work-authorized individuals into the workforce, supporting the economies where they live.

“Over the last year, the USCIS workforce reduced processing times for most EAD categories, supporting an overall goal to improve work access to eligible individuals.  However, we also received a record number of employment authorization applications, impacting our renewal mechanisms,” said USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou. “Temporarily lengthening the existing automatic extension up to 540 days will avoid lapses in employment authorizations. At the same time, this rule provides DHS with an additional window to consider long-term solutions by soliciting public comments, and identifying new strategies to ensure those noncitizens eligible for employment authorization can maintain that benefit.”

This TFR aligns with an ongoing effort at USCIS to support employment authorized individuals’ access to work. USCIS has reduced EAD processing times overall and streamlined adjudication processing, including:

• Reducing by half EAD processing times of individuals with pending green card applications from FY2021 to date,
• Processing a record number of EAD applications in the past year, outpacing prior years,
• Engaging with communities to educate work-eligible individuals who were not accessing the process and provide on-the-ground intake support of applications,
• Reducing processing time for EADs for asylum applicants and certain parolees to less than or equal to 30-day median,
• Extending EAD validity period for certain categories from 2 years to 5 years,
• Streamlining the process for refugee EADs, and
• Expanding online filing for EADs to asylum applications and parolees.

This temporary measure will apply to eligible applicants who timely and properly filed an EAD renewal application on or after Oct. 27, 2023, if the application is still pending on the date of publication in the Federal Register. The temporary final rule will also apply to eligible EAD renewal applicants who timely and properly file their Form I-765 application during a 540-day period that begins with the rule’s publication in the Federal Register.

Absent this measure, nearly 800,000 EAD renewal applicants – including those eligible for employment authorization as asylees or asylum applicants, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants or recipients, and green card applicants – would be in danger of experiencing a lapse in their employment authorization, and approximately 60,000 to 80,000 employers would be negatively impacted as a result of such a lapse. EADs are generally valid for the length of the authorized parole period. This TFR does not extend the length of parole.

Since May 12, 2023 to March 13, 2024, DHS has removed or returned over 617,000 individuals, the vast majority of whom crossed the Southwest Border, including more than 97,000 individual family members. The majority of all individuals encountered at the southwest border over the past three years have been removed, returned, or expelled. Total removals and returns since mid-May exceed removals and returns in every full fiscal year since 2011.

As part of this temporary final rule, USCIS is soliciting feedback from the public that would inform potential future regulatory action. For more information, visit our  Automatic Employment Authorization Document Extension page .

For more information about USCIS, please visit  uscis.gov  or follow us on  Twitter ,  Instagram ,  YouTube ,  Facebook , and  LinkedIn .

Israel-Gaza latest: Netanyahu making 'mistake', Biden warns - as Sunak defends arming Israel

The US president has said he disagrees with Israel's approach to the war. It comes after Benjamin Netanyahu doubled down on his pledge to go forward with his invasion of Rafah. Listen to a Daily episode on how the war could be worsening Yemen's humanitarian crisis as you scroll.

Wednesday 10 April 2024 12:25, UK

• Israel-Hamas war
• Netanyahu's approach in Gaza 'a mistake', Biden warns
• Date for Rafah offensive is bravado, US officials say  
• Alex Rossi analysis: US frustration mounts over Israel's lack of concrete plan
• Sunak defends arms sales to Israel
• Israel 'must be punished' for Iranian consulate 'attack', says supreme leader
• Alex Crawford report : Yemeni fishermen face threat of Houthi attack - but on Gaza they are firmly behind the militants
• Live reporting by Brad Young

Earlier today, we reported on Iran's supreme leader demanding Israel "be punished" for the killings of Iranian generals in Syria.

We can now bring you Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's comments in full, as he went on to condemn the West for the war in Gaza.

"It was expected they [would] prevent [Israel] in this disaster. They did not. They did not fulfil their duties, the Western governments," he said.

He said the Israeli airstrike in Syria demolished Iran's consulate, calling it akin to an attack on Iranian territory.

"When they attacked our consulate area, it was like they attacked our territory," Mr Khamenei said.

The strike killed 12 people: seven Iranian Revolutionary Guard members, four Syrians and a Hezbollah militia member.

Israel has not acknowledged any involvement, though it has been bracing for an Iranian response to the attack.

By Alex Rossi , international correspondent

Joe Biden's remarks don't so much represent a shift in tone but a strengthening of his criticism of the Israeli approach. 

It's clear also from the undertone that there is now no love lost between the American president and the prime minster of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu. 

The comments, it should be noted, were recorded last week - two days after seven aid workers were killed in a botched Israeli attack. 

Mr Biden has become increasingly frustrated by the mounting civilian casualties and the desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza. 

But the comments go beyond that and speak to the lack of Israeli strategy for the day after the war. 

From Washington, Israel appears to be making many of the same mistakes the US made after 9/11. 

Driven by anger and revenge they've smashed up Gaza but have no plans for the peace. 

Hamas may have been badly hit but they've not been defeated. 

An insurgency out of the ashes seems probable without a concrete plan. 

Israel, at the moment, seems unable or unwilling to countenance what such a bargain would look like.

Palestinian families have been visiting the graves of loved ones in Rafah.

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry says more than 33,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli attacks.

Its figures do not differentiate between civilians and fighters, but it says the majority of those killed were women and children.

The Spanish prime minister has called Israel's military actions in Gaza a threat to world stability, the Times of Israel reports.

Speaking to the Spanish congress, Pedro Sanchez said Israel's response was "disproportionate" and risks "destabilising the Middle East, and as a consequence, the entire world".

Recognising a Palestinian state was "in Europe's geopolitical interests", he said.

The commander of the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon has said the danger of escalation on the Lebanon-Israel border is real.

UNIFIL's Aroldo Lazaro called for the "cessation of hostilities, and a move towards a permanent ceasefire and a long-term solution to the conflict".

Lebanon and Israel have exchanged fire over the border since the start of the war in Gaza.

Most recently, Israel's military said it killed a commander of Hezbollah's secretive Radwan Force in southern Lebanon yesterday.

Israeli officials demand the Radwan Force withdraw from the border area in order to allow tens of thousands of evacuated Israelis to return home.

Hezbollah has said it will stop firing rockets into Israel once a ceasefire is reached in Gaza.

Eurovision chiefs have condemned war-related online abuse, hate speech and harassment of participating artists.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) called out "targeted social media campaigns" against multiple musicians, against the backdrop of the "unquestionable pain" in the Middle East.

Israel's representative at the competition, Eden Golan, has reportedly received death threats, according to the Jerusalem Post.

"This is unacceptable and totally unfair, given the artists have no role in this decision," said EBU deputy director general Jean Philip De Tender.

The decision to include the Israeli broadcaster Kan was the sole responsibility of the EBU, he added.

Benjamin Netanyahu's pronouncement that a date has been set for an offensive in Rafah has been dismissed by the Biden administration as an empty threat, according to reports.

Senior administration officials told CNN they believed his statement made earlier this week was bravado.

Publicly, US officials have said no date has been shared with them.

For context:  The Israeli government has threatened for weeks to assault Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of civilians are sheltering.

Mr Netanyahu has previously said four Hamas battalions were using the city's residents and displaced people as human shields.

Rishi Sunak has defended the UK's decision not to suspend arms sales to Israel, saying "none of our closest allies" have done so. 

The British prime minister said the UK has a "long-established process" relating to the arms export regime and "we review these things regularly".

"That's led to no change. Actually none of our closest allies have currently suspended existing arms licences either, so we continue to discuss these things with our allies," he said. 

Responding to a caller on his LBC phone-in interview, Mr Sunak said Benjamin Netanyahu "needs to do more" to alleviate suffering in Gaza. 

"It was a shocking tragedy what happened to our veterans when they were selflessly carrying out aid missions into Gaza and I've also said repeatedly the situation in Gaza is increasingly intolerable, you know, the humanitarian suffering that people are experiencing isn't right and Prime Minister Netanyahu needs to do more to alleviate that," he said. 

"I've made that very clear to him."

An Israeli airstrike on a residential building in central Gaza has killed 14 people, according to a local hospital. 

Most of those killed were women and children and 30 others were seriously injured, al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital spokesperson Dr Khalil al Dikran told CNN. 

The building was inside the Nuseirat refugee camp. 

The attack happened on the last night before Eid al Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.

Antony Blinken says Israel has not informed the US of any specific date for a major offensive into the southern Gaza city of Rafah. 

Israel has said for weeks it will launch an incursion into Rafah, which it says is the last stronghold of Hamas. 

But even its closest allies, including the US, have urged against an offensive and warned it will cause a large number of civilian casualties.

The US secretary of state said American and Israeli officials were in close contact to try to ensure "any kind of major military operation doesn't do real harm to civilians". 

About 1.4 million Palestinians are in Rafah, many displaced from other parts of Gaza.

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