_Note: You must apply for an extension of stay before the expiry date on your current I-94._
1. Complete and file Form I-539, Application to extend/change nonimmigrant status, with the required application fee and supporting documents.
2. You may be required to submit evidence that you maintain a residence abroad that you have no intention of abandoning.
3. Include the following supporting documents:
* Documents related to your immigration status, including:
* A copy of your Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record.
* If applicable, a copy of your current employment authorization document (e.g., Form I-766).
* Documents that show you meet eligibility requirements, such as:
* If applicable, a copy of the petition or other document that describes the purpose of your stay and any additional supporting documents requested in the instructions for that petition or document.
* For students, your most recent original Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status, signed by the school official responsible for your F-1 status (Designated School Official, or DSO).
* For exchange visitors, your most recent original Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status, signed by the responsible officer for your J-1 program (Responsible Officer, or RO).
* Documents demonstrating that you have sufficient financial resources to support your extended stay, such as:
* Bank statements or letters from your bank showing the balance in your accounts and the average monthly deposits and withdrawals for the past 6 months.
* Pay stubs or other proof of income.
* Documents establishing that you have a qualifying medical condition, if you are applying for an extension of stay due to a medical condition, such as:
* Medical records, diagnoses, and treatment plans from your doctor.
* Statements from your doctor stating the specific reasons why you need to stay in the United States for medical treatment and an estimated timeline for your recovery or treatment.
* Documents demonstrating that you have compelling humanitarian or business reasons for needing an extension of stay, if you are applying for an extension of stay on this basis, such as:
* Evidence that you are the sole caregiver for a family member in the United States who is unable to care for themselves.
* Business documents or contracts showing that you have ongoing business activities in the United States.
- In addition to the documents required for an extension of stay, you must also submit:
>* Documents related to your new status, such as:
* For individuals seeking to change to a different employment-based status, the approval notice (Form I-797, Notice of Action) for the new petition.
* For individuals seeking to change to student status, a new Form I-20 issued after your admission to an approved school.
> _*Note*_: If you received your new I-20 after you began attending your school, you must also include a letter from your DSO explaining the circumstances that led to the late issuance._
- Form I-944, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency if you are applying to adjust status to permanent resident (LPR).
4. File your application with the correct USCIS Lockbox facility as indicated in the instructions for Form I-539.
5. Pay the required application fee.
### NOTE:
*If you are applying to extend your stay as a student or exchange visitor, you may also be required to submit a statement from your DSO or RO stating that you are maintaining student status or exchange visitor status and that you are making normal progress in your studies or program.*
The USCIS will decide on your application and will send you a written notice of its decision. If your extension of stay is approved, the USCIS will issue you a new Form I-94 reflecting the new expiration date of your authorized stay.
In addition to an extension of stay, there are a few other ways that you may be able to extend your stay in the U.S. These include:
- Change of status: If you qualify for a different nonimmigrant status, you can file Form I-539 to change your status. Some common nonimmigrant statuses that people extend for include F-1 student visas, B1/B2 visitor visas, and L1 intracompany transfer visas.
- Adjustment of status: If you are eligible to become a permanent resident of the United States, you can file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
- Voluntary departure: If you are in the United States illegally, you may be able to leave voluntarily without being deported. If you plan on doing so, you should talk to an immigration attorney as soon as possible.
* Extensions of stay are not guaranteed, and the USCIS may deny your application if you do not meet the requirements.
* If your extension of stay is denied, you will have to leave the United States within the time period specified in your denial notice.
* If you stay in the United States beyond the expiration date on your I-94, you will be considered "unlawfully present" and may be subject to removal proceedings.
