Wait time for B2 extension

[simplyurs1721 0]

My B2 I94 is set to expire on the 30th August. My home country borders are closed and they have been repatriating citizens at a very slow rate only after you have been approved for an exemption to enter the country (the third repatriation flight from the US since boarders closed in March leaves tomorrow). Bottom line i applied for an extension (I 539) which was signed for by USCIS on the 14th August but i have not received any correspondence from them since. I have two question (1) how long does it take to get a receipt number (i am panicking that my I94 expires in a few days and i may  be considered illegal without even so much as a receipt number (the payment has not even been taken from my credit  card (2) does it make sense to refile online (i didn't realize it could have been done, thought at the time they were only accepting paper filing).

[BDD 8]

Applied for an extension in mid April for my mother in law and still haven't heard anything. We requested an additional 6 months and good thing since it'd be problematic if we requested less and she would leave before any response since it's my understanding that would void the request and result in an over stay.

[kswheezy 117]

On 9/5/2020 at 9:36 AM, BDD said:

Applied for an extension in mid April for my mother in law and still haven't heard anything. We requested an additional 6 months and good thing since it'd be problematic if we requested less and she would leave before any response since it's my understanding that would void the request and result in an over stay.

 

I found this forum post, the next few posts after it I feel are reassuring information, though I do not know how accurate. It doesn't seem like there is a definitive answer to the OP. @simplyurs1721 did you call USCIS and ask? Any other input from those who have actual knowledge on this would be very welcome.

[VisaDonnie 54]

On 8/28/2020 at 2:05 PM, simplyurs1721 said:

My B2 I94 is set to expire on the 30th August. My home country borders are closed and they have been repatriating citizens at a very slow rate only after you have been approved for an exemption to enter the country (the third repatriation flight from the US since boarders closed in March leaves tomorrow). Bottom line i applied for an extension (I 539) which was signed for by USCIS on the 14th August but i have not received any correspondence from them since. I have two question (1) how long does it take to get a receipt number (i am panicking that my I94 expires in a few days and i may  be considered illegal without even so much as a receipt number (the payment has not even been taken from my credit  card (2) does it make sense to refile online (i didn't realize it could have been done, thought at the time they were only accepting paper filing).

Sort of in the same boat. My fiancés B1/B2 six month I-94 date came and went in mid August visiting me in the USA, she got stuck here with the Pandemic. I filed the I-539 on 5 June 2020 and still have heard nothing. The good thing is while you're waiting for the I-539 decision you're status staying in the USA is just an overstay, you are NOT considered illegal. I asked for an extension until 31 DEC 2020, and its fast approaching. Once they make a decision on the I-539 if you get the extension your good and the clock gets reset, but if you go over 6 months waiting for the decision or they say no then your in trouble, Your problem is if you leave the USA but have been here over 6 months in an overstay you cannot comeback for 3 years, if you go 1yr over you cannot come back for 10yrs.

[simplyurs1721 0]

Another question - I-94 has expired and you have the receipt number showing you applied for the extension. If you leave while the decision is pending but before 6months wait period will there be problems re-entering? 

[SusieQQQ 11,588]

4 minutes ago, simplyurs1721 said:

Another question - I-94 has expired and you have the receipt number showing you applied for the extension. If you leave while the decision is pending but before 6months wait period will there be problems re-entering? 

Shouldn’t be, but make sure you keep a paper trail (both the receipt and proof of the date you left the US) to show CBP next time you enter. USCIS apparently does not send duplicates of i539 receipt notices so your copy is your only proof that you applied on time.

[BDD 8]

We received a notice of a biometric appointment a few weeks out. I hope this is good news. 

[deborabr 16]

Hello BDD I believe we applied around the same time. Did you receive a notice to complete biometrics? We applied April 14 but have not heard anything since. Getting a little worried!

[BDD 8]

On 9/14/2020 at 12:43 AM, deborabr said:

Hello BDD I believe we applied around the same time. Did you receive a notice to complete biometrics? We applied April 14 but have not heard anything since. Getting a little worried!

Yes

[deborabr 16]

On 9/16/2020 at 11:11 AM, BDD said:

Yes

Nice! I called USCIS but I was told we were still within the 5-7 months window so we wait 😃

Did you complete biometrics already? Got any response? 

[BDD 8]

On 9/26/2020 at 1:29 AM, deborabr said:

Nice! I called USCIS but I was told we were still within the 5-7 months window so we wait 😃

Did you complete biometrics already? Got any response? 

Ha! It got delayed another few weeks.

[BDD 8]

We got approved. It took about 6.5 months after we filed, but we did have one RFE along the way. Best of luck to everyone else.

Edited November 5, 2020 by BDD

[simplyurs1721 0]

Do you mind me asking how long of an extension did you get given that the process is taking so long. I am still here but have not received anything other than the receipt number. Applied on the 14th August.

 

[deborabr 16]

1 hour ago, BDD said:

We got approved. It took about 6.5 months after we filed, but we did have one RFE along the way. Best of luck to everyone else.

That is awesome! We got the biometrics appointment letter but they scheduled the wrong office =( so we had to request a new appointment because due to covid they are not accepting walk-ins.

[BDD 8]

1 hour ago, simplyurs1721 said:

Do you mind me asking how long of an extension did you get given that the process is taking so long. I am still here but have not received anything other than the receipt number. Applied on the 14th August.

 

We applied for the maximum additional 6 months. We actually haven't got the official document letter yet, but our status says request approved so maybe it's wishful thinking that they gave us the full 6 months. After we applied, it was 5-6 months of nothingness until we heard back from them.

 

28 minutes ago, deborabr said:

That is awesome! We got the biometrics appointment letter but they scheduled the wrong office =( so we had to request a new appointment because due to covid they are not accepting walk-ins.

Dang. The good news is that it would seem you'll get an answer not long after biometrics.

Edited November 5, 2020 by BDD