Visa Extensions: How to Apply and Extend Your Stay in the U.S.

It’s surprisingly easy to lose track of time when you’re visiting the U.S.—especially if you’re reconnecting with family, finishing a project, or just enjoying your surroundings. But the date on your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record? That’s not something you want to overlook. Letting your visa expire without taking action can lead to real problems down the line, including being barred from reentry. 

At Tourzani & Long, LLC, we talk to people all the time who just need a little more time in the U.S.—to travel, wrap things up, or manage an unexpected situation. If that’s you, here’s how visa extensions work and what you should know before applying. 

Know the Difference: Visa vs. Status

First, a quick but important distinction: your visa is the sticker in your passport that lets you enter the U.S. Your status is the amount of time you’re allowed to stay once you’re here. They’re not the same thing, and your visa might be valid long after your status has expired. 

To figure out when your authorized stay ends, check your I-94 record, which you can look up online at i94.cbp.dhs.gov. That date is your deadline. 

If you want to stay longer, you need to file for an extension of status, not a new visa. 

Who Can Apply for a Visa Extension?

Most nonimmigrant visa holders can apply to extend their stay, including those on: 

• B-1/B-2 visitor visas 

• F-1 student visas (for program extensions) 

• H-1B or other employment-based visas (through their employers) 

• L-1, O-1, and other temporary work categories 

Your eligibility depends on whether you’re still maintaining your current status and whether you haven’t violated any terms of your visa—like working without permission or overstaying. 

Tourists, in particular, need to show a valid reason for needing extra time, such as a medical issue, delayed flight, or unexpected family situation. It’s not enough to just want to see more of the country—you’ll need to explain why you can’t return home yet. 

When to Apply

Timing is everything. You need to file before your current stay expires. USCIS recommends submitting your extension request at least 45 days in advance. If you apply late, you’ll have to explain why—and hope USCIS finds the reason acceptable. 

If your application is still pending when your status expires, you’re generally allowed to stay until a decision is made, as long as you filed on time. But leaving the U.S. during that period can cancel your pending request, so travel plans need to be carefully considered. 

How to Apply

For most visitors, the process involves filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. You’ll need to include: 

• A written explanation of why you’re requesting the extension 

• A copy of your I-94 

• Proof of financial support (bank statements, sponsor affidavits) 

• A copy of your passport and current visa 

• Any documentation supporting your reason for staying longer (like a doctor’s note or proof of ongoing plans) 

Filing fees apply, and as with most USCIS processes, delays are common—so don’t wait until the last minute. 

If you’re on a work or student visa, the extension process may involve different forms, employer involvement, or school documentation. We help clients navigate these every day, and the paperwork can vary widely depending on the visa category. 

What Happens If You Overstay?

Overstaying—even by accident—can lead to serious consequences. A short overstay might make future visa applications harder. A longer one (more than 180 days) can trigger a 3- or 10-year bar from reentry. In some cases, even applying for a green card down the line becomes more difficult. 

That’s why we always encourage people to track their I-94 date and reach out early if they think they’ll need more time. The system’s not very forgiving when it comes to missed deadlines. 

Let Us Help You Stay on the Right Track

Visa extensions don’t have to be stressful—but they do need to be handled carefully. At Tourzani & Long, LLC, we work with individuals and families who need to extend their stay for all kinds of reasons, from personal to professional to emergency situations. We take the time to understand what’s going on in your life, then help you file with confidence and clarity. 

If you think you might need more time in the U.S., don’t wait to ask questions. We welcome inquiries from all backgrounds and assist across a wide range of immigration needs. Visit tourzanilaw.com to get in touch or schedule a consultation.