B2 Visa Extension Confusion

[Laud12345 0]

All,

 

I'm trying to apply for a B2 Visa Extension and trying to understand how difficult it is to obtain and what would be considered valid reasons.

The opinions are really wide ranging on this.  Some say it's extremely difficult to get approved while other's say it's not that difficult at all.

I'm curious as to what the community experience has been and what reasons were given for requesting the stay and if you were granted or denied.

Here are some of the things which are confusing to me:

 

The top google search says this: Typical reasons for extending B2 visa status includes continuation of tourism activities, social meetings with friends and relatives, and participating in social organizations and functions. In some cases it is prudent to change status from another nonimmigrant visa category to B1 or B2 status.

 

But some people on the this forum say that's a frivolous reason to request an extension.

 

 

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

Think about it this way, what makes logical reasons to ask for extension that you couldn’t already have done in the 6 months of the B? That’s how uscis will look at it.  Regardless, you should be putting truthful answers down not looking at what you think sounds good. Even some (not all) people with Covid shutdown related reasons for extension were denied or sent RFEs. If uscis think you’re just trying to live here on a b visa they will deny you. Make sure you understand the implications for your current and future visas of a denial.

[WOODHIKER 30]

Also realize that if your extension request is denied, during the period of time you stay in the US after the expiration of your B visa, while you are waiting for a determination of your extension request, you will be considered out of status. Which will make it difficult, if  not impossible, to get another B visa in the future.

[arken 4,197]

At this time forget about the extension. The processing time is more than a year and the maximum you can request is 6 months. You would be lucky if you get the biometrics done before your extension request end date. By the time they have your application in hand for processing, you would be long gone as it would be several months later than the extension request period and it will be denied.

Edited September 10, 2021 by arken

[Laud12345 0]

It doesn't make sense that the extension will be denied just because it takes them a year to process it.

[Boiler 45,663]

Depends on how long Biometrics take, if you have gone which would be quite possible before your Biometrics appointment comes up then it can not be processed.

 

Your reason for needing an extension is personal.

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

1 hour ago, Laud12345 said:

It doesn't make sense that the extension will be denied just because it takes them a year to process it.

Even if approved in retrospect you wouldn’t get more than 6 months. And you wouldn’t know till after you’ve left. If it is denied in retrospect (tbh from your seemingly not even knowing what your own reasons are, that seems fairly likely) you have an overstay on your record, your existing visa gets canceled, and the chances of another one very slim.

[SalishSea 17,928]

22 hours ago, Laud12345 said:

All,

 

I'm trying to apply for a B2 Visa Extension and trying to understand how difficult it is to obtain and what would be considered valid reasons.

The opinions are really wide ranging on this.  Some say it's extremely difficult to get approved while other's say it's not that difficult at all.

I'm curious as to what the community experience has been and what reasons were given for requesting the stay and if you were granted or denied.

Here are some of the things which are confusing to me:

 

The top google search says this: Typical reasons for extending B2 visa status includes continuation of tourism activities, social meetings with friends and relatives, and participating in social organizations and functions. In some cases it is prudent to change status from another nonimmigrant visa category to B1 or B2 status.

 

But some people on the this forum say that's a frivolous reason to request an extension.

 

 

This sounds like you’re trying to manufacture a reason to increase the chances of approval.   Don’t do that.   Tell the truth.

[African Zealot 1,455]

In my opinion unless it is a really serious situation like health that requires you to stay in the USA, it is better you just leave before you duration of stay expires. In truth there are not many valid reasons to extend a six month visa and approval is at the discretion of the reviewing officer. As others have pointed out, because it takes so long to get a response, you will already be out of status by the time you get the result which could mean if it is not approved you accrue unauthorized stay.

 

Not worth it unless you are facing something serious like surgery or treatment for cancer or something.

 

Quote

This sounds like you’re trying to manufacture a reason to increase the chances of approval.   Don’t do that.   Tell the truth.

I also get the same feeling

Edited September 10, 2021 by African Zealot

[Laud12345 0]

See. This is what I"m talking about.  People on this forum are saying it's extremely difficult to get an approval while google says we can do it to continuation of tourism activites.  I'm not trying to manufacture a reason, but understand if my reason is valid as suggested by google (continuation of tourism) to apply for extension or if the risk of denial is too high and not worth it and I should just leave before it expires.  I've seen other forums where they say it's a 50/50 chance, another lawyer who said he's never seen an extension denied, another anecdotal stories where people have been approved.  The advice is so confusing and all over the place.  It's making my head spin.

Edited September 10, 2021 by Laud12345

[Allaboutwaiting 2,503]

Besides paying the fee -$455- and providing a valid reason for extending your stay, you must include: evidence of financial means to cover for your expenses, proof of return to your country and proof of your employment/ residence in your country not being affected by this extended absence. 

 

As you might already know, USCIS advises to file 45 days before your authorized stay expires.

 

If you fulfill all the requirements, apply. 

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

40 minutes ago, Laud12345 said:

another lawyer who said he's never seen an extension denied,

🤣🤣

yeah right 

A good number of threads in this forum from people panicking because theirs have been denied 

and of course some people get approved. Obviously uscis found their reasons compelling. We’ve also seen some get RFEs. All sorts of outcomes. All depends on the merits of the application. 

 

As for “50:50”, that’s just BS. Even if it is actually the historical number, it means nothing for you. Extensions are judged on their own merits, not a random 50% hit rate.  

 

 

Edited September 10, 2021 by SusieQQQ

[Boiler 45,663]

I have seen plenty denied

 

How representative that is I do not know.

 

Anyway I have a different view you can game the system due to the long processing time apply for one extension probably a second. Now this is e basis that you have no plans to return anytime soon.

[Skyman 327]

My wife entered last September 1st and told the IO that she might want to stay longer than 6 months.  He suggested she apply for an extension within 3 months as they were taking that long to process. 

[Pinkrlion 2,724]

On 9/10/2021 at 4:28 PM, Laud12345 said:

See. This is what I"m talking about.  People on this forum are saying it's extremely difficult to get an approval while google says we can do it to continuation of tourism activites.  I'm not trying to manufacture a reason, but understand if my reason is valid as suggested by google (continuation of tourism) to apply for extension or if the risk of denial is too high and not worth it and I should just leave before it expires.  I've seen other forums where they say it's a 50/50 chance, another lawyer who said he's never seen an extension denied, another anecdotal stories where people have been approved.  The advice is so confusing and all over the place.  It's making my head spin.

I have read on here where they were denied extention, B visa cancelled, and received a ban.