EXTENSION OF B2 VISA IS OUTSIDE NORMAL PROCESSING TIME

[iseise 0]

Hello and Thank you to anyone who is reading this entry.

I am currently waiting on the decision for my Application to Extend my Non-immigrant Status. My reason for wanting to stay was purely tourism/leisure related. I hired a lawyer to prepare and file the application for me. I am satisfied with the completeness of my application documents (e.g. proof of residence abroad, proof of US residence, proof of personal financial resource, proof of re-booked plane ticket, proof of support from relatives in the US, proof of asset ownership abroad, proof of employment abroad, ).

The following are the relevant dates to my application:

• US arrival: July 2013
• Application mailed on: November 29, 2013
• I-94 validity: January 11, 2014
• USCIS received my application on: December 9, 2013
• Extension requested until: July 11, 2014

As stated in the topic title, the status of my application is beyond VSC normal (Vermont Service Center) processing time. As of April 3, 2014 and per Form I-539 processing time frame is only 2.5 months.

Today is April 9, 2014 which means that my application has been pending or "In Review" for 4 months. This clearly shows1.5 months outside the normal processing time. I am curious why it's taking this long. I'm worried that the delay is caused by a scrupulous background check leading to a denial. I have called USCIS many times. In the most recent correspondence I had with the department's customer service (both tier 1 and tier 2 agents), I was told that there is no record that further action has been made regarding my application (e.g. RFE, transfer to another service center, change of address), which leads me to also believe that they are not working on it.

I am so frustrated right now. I don't know what to think about why the decision is delayed. I don't mind going back home. I'm just very concerned about not being able to come back because I've read and heard more people saying that my 10-yr multiple visa getting cancelled once the application is denied.

Can someone please enlighten me on this? A recent and relevant experience or maybe supportive comments would really help.

Thank you in advance!

[RhettVoe 281]

What sort of a job doles out a one year vacation? And what sort of odd jobs are you doing now?

[Thisislife 31]

Hello and Thank you to anyone who is reading this entry.

I am currently waiting on the decision for my Application to Extend my Non-immigrant Status. My reason for wanting to stay was purely tourism/leisure related. I hired a lawyer to prepare and file the application for me. I am satisfied with the completeness of my application documents (e.g. proof of residence abroad, proof of US residence, proof of personal financial resource, proof of re-booked plane ticket, proof of support from relatives in the US, proof of asset ownership abroad, proof of employment abroad, ).

The following are the relevant dates to my application:

• US arrival: July 2013
• Application mailed on: November 29, 2013
• I-94 validity: January 11, 2014
• USCIS received my application on: December 9, 2013
• Extension requested until: July 11, 2014

As stated in the topic title, the status of my application is beyond VSC normal (Vermont Service Center) processing time. As of April 3, 2014 and per Form I-539 processing time frame is only 2.5 months.

Today is April 9, 2014 which means that my application has been pending or "In Review" for 4 months. This clearly shows1.5 months outside the normal processing time. I am curious why it's taking this long. I'm worried that the delay is caused by a scrupulous background check leading to a denial. I have called USCIS many times. In the most recent correspondence I had with the department's customer service (both tier 1 and tier 2 agents), I was told that there is no record that further action has been made regarding my application (e.g. RFE, transfer to another service center, change of address), which leads me to also believe that they are not working on it.

I am so frustrated right now. I don't know what to think about why the decision is delayed. I don't mind going back home. I'm just very concerned about not being able to come back because I've read and heard more people saying that my 10-yr multiple visa getting cancelled once the application is denied.

Can someone please enlighten me on this? A recent and relevant experience or maybe supportive comments would really help.

Thank you in advance!

I applied for an extension in 2011 and was approved. Never used an attorney.

[Boiler 43,397]

What sort of a job doles out a one year vacation?

I was wondering the same.

[dvc 11]

I was wondering the same.

Sabbaticals for academics are often 1 year periods.

[iseise 0]

What sort of a job doles out a one year vacation? And what sort of odd jobs are you doing now?

I work for my family's business. I am not working right now.

I applied for an extension in 2011 and was approved. Never used an attorney.

How long did you have to wait for a decision?

[iseise 0]

I appreciate your taking the time to reply. Although, it doesn't answer my question.

[Thisislife 31]

I work for my family's business. I am not working right now.

How long did you have to wait for a decision?

My extension was approved in 2 months. I filed for my extension as my company with whom I had business dealing was training me on a new project as there were new changes. I sent them letters from them. Don't know about vacation being the reason. You do understand if it's denied thn you are out of status from the day you filed your extension paper?

[iseise 0]

I have read that the visa will be cancelled when the application is denied. But I've also read some people with denied extensions being able to return to the US with the same visa.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

HAving spent more than 6 months in the US you won't be returning to the US anytime soon. Plan on being out of the us for about about a year. They will see anyone staying this long as "living" in the US and will look very closely at any quick attempt to return.

[iseise 0]

HAving spent more than 6 months in the US you won't be returning to the US anytime soon. Plan on being out of the us for about about a year. They will see anyone staying this long as "living" in the US and will look very closely at any quick attempt to return.

Has there been any instance that you know of where someone who was denied extension was admitted back?

I don't intend to return anytime soon. But down the road, maybe a year or two, I will want to come back. I'm just dismayed at the idea of being told "you are not allowed to visit our country anymore" even though my good friends and some close family members are here.

Thank you for your answer.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

They will look very close at your ties to home and probably limit your first visit back ( if you get in ) to a month or two.

[RhettVoe 281]

A tourist visa is for visiting, for amounts of time that make sense. Working age adults would be hard pressed to explain how they were able to 'visit' for a year...in a country whose cost of living is just a tad higher than the PI....

[Boiler 43,397]

I assume your legal team have advised you of this but for others.

I am not going to say you will not get an extension, I have seen them given in weak cases.

If you do not get one, then I believe they give you a date to leave by and not overstay. Overstay and your visa is dead.

If you do get one, then any future entries will be interesting, especially if there is not a long time gap.

You are aware of your tax responsibilities in the US?

The interesting discussion will be when you seek another visa, which will include your past travel history to the US. The Consulate may be not so understanding.

[Avery Cates 1,141]

Has there been any instance that you know of where someone who was denied extension was admitted back?

It will be up to the discretion of the CBP officers at your POE.

I wouldn't count on being let back in for a couple years, at least.

Visitor visas are not for extended stays.