We can help you with the processing of your application for extension of stay and/or change of status from H2-B or J-1 to B-2 category (visitor status for 6 months). We can't and don't deal with extending working status (J-1, H2-B, etc.) as you need a sponsor or employer for that. Only your sponsor for the work visa (your employer) can apply for an extension of your J-1 or H2-B status.
We, as an agency (or you on your own) can apply for a change of status and/or extension of stay in the B2 category and can request a six (6) month extension to keep our clients in the U.S. legally. Applications to change status and/or extend stay in the B-2 category may be initiated 60 days before the I-94 departure record or US work visa expires.
(1) Please fill out the
Extension of Stay
PDF form - (the extension of stay PDF file is editable, you can type in the form) and send it to us via e-mail.
(2) We'll need copies of the following documents by e-mail:
- the U.S. Visa,
- Passport - (the last page with your vital information),
- Bank Statement - the minimum ending balance should be approximately $3,000 per person,
- for H2B, J-1, etc. visa holders, the bank statement should be supplemented with the last/recent 3-6 pay stubs/payment checks/earnings statements from the company you are working for - please attach either the bank statement or the payment checks - (strongly recommended to attach both if possible).
- (optional) - any letters of support from U.S. relatives, friends, etc. - recommended
- (optional) - Airline ticket - if you still have it - make a copy - recommended
- if you have a work visa (H-2B, J-1, H2R), we need a copy of your SSN card if you had one in the past,
- if you have a J-1 visa, make a copy of your SEVIS form DS-2019,
(3) The total fee for the extension of stay is $655, which includes all fees (our processing fee and USCIS fee). Once we receive the above requested email, we will send you the details to pay the $655.
(4) We cannot help you if:
- your J-1 visa says "holder is subject to section 212(E), two year rule applies".
- You have engaged in unauthorized employment and are therefore considered in violation of your current status, visa/program status - (e.g., a J-1 exchange visitor may be employed only by the exchange visitor program sponsor or its designee and within the guidelines of the State Department-approved program as set forth in the Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility, issued by the program sponsor - (underline added).
(5) Worth considering
i.) Your U.S. mailing address should be reliable and stable - (it can be a relative's or friend's address) for 6 months to receive the USCIS notification! If your mailing address changes during the extension process, we can change your mailing address, but we strongly recommend that you make sure that your mailing address does not change during the extension process for six months!
ii.) Please pay attention to the details and give us all the information requested above so that we can help you get your case approved. Send us your case of extension request via email.
iii.) Be sure to display/write your name on your mailbox so that the postman can clearly see it, otherwise you will not receive a USCIS notice! It's the policy of the Post Office because the mail comes from the U.S. Government - (USCIS)!
For your second extension
If your current extension has been approved by the USCIS and you would like to apply for a second extension - we always ask for six months (we will again require the above mentioned copies - see details above), plus a bank statement of yours, as well as a copy of the USCIS Approval Notice(s) for all previous or current extensions or changes in status since you last entered the United States.
In case of emergency
If the filing deadline is approaching and you are about to overstay your valid I-94 departure record or, in some cases, your U.S. visa, keep in mind that the USCIS is very sensitive to time limits and deadlines. Please send us the requested documents listed above as soon as possible!
In order to remain in the United States legally, a person must maintain legal status while in the United States and must also apply for an extension of stay and/or change of status.
Filing for a change of status and/or extension should begin 60 days prior to the expiration of the I-94 departure record or U.S. visa. If a person leaves the U.S. without a valid status, that person may not be allowed to reenter the U.S. Overstaying your allotted time in the U.S. may jeopardize your next visit and may have serious consequences, including a three to ten year ban from the U.S.
Beware of immigration scams, the wrong help can hurt!
Every time a person files an application with USCIS to extend stay and/or change status, the person always receives a USCIS Notice within 30 days informing the person of the ongoing and pending case with a case number.
Be aware of unscrupulous individuals, shady attorneys, fraudulent agencies, etc., because if you do not receive a USCIS notice or case number within 30 days, that should be a red flag! Start asking questions, and if you get the runaround from them, that could indicate that your case has never been submitted to the USCIS, and you may be out of status, but you may not even know it. The USCIS will start processing your application as soon as they receive it. Within 30 days, you'll receive your case number. They will also send you a notice by mail informing you of the case. All communications from the USCIS will come directly to you.
As an agency, we have a history of reliability, credibility, and accuracy, and we're ready to help you. When we receive the above request, we'll contact you to confirm receipt of your email. Please let us know if you have any questions and feel free to email, text or call us.
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