Visitor visa extension

[second stage 14]

My parents are here on a visitor visa. Their I-94 is currently scheduled to expire in July 2009.

I would like to extend their stay for another 5 months(Until Nov/Dec 2009). I believe I could apply for an extension at least 45 days before the I-94 expires. Is that correct?

How long does it take to get the new I-94 cards if approved?

Currently they have a return ticket for June 2009 but USCIS requires valid travel plans(aka future return ticket). Doesn't the airline(s) charge you 'change fee' to change the dates and if the application is rejected, I probably would pay to change the dates again right?

Looks like I would have to submit their current I-94 cards to USCIS along with extension request, will they be able to travel within the USA without I-94 cards during the time of waiting for the approval from USCIS?

Regards!

Edited April 1, 2009 by second stage

[YuAndDan 153]

Processing time for I-539 is more like 90 days:

https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/Processtim...eviceCenter=VSC

https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/Processtim...eviceCenter=CSC

[second stage 14]

Processing time for I-539 is more like 90 days:

https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/Processtim...eviceCenter=VSC

https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/Processtim...eviceCenter=CSC

Thanks for the link! ..so, there is a risk of having to stay past the I-94 expiration date if the application is rejected?

Edited April 1, 2009 by second stage

[YuAndDan 153]

Processing time for I-539 is more like 90 days:

https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/Processtim...eviceCenter=VSC

https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/Processtim...eviceCenter=CSC

Thanks for the link! ..so, there is a risk of having to stay past the I-94 expiration date if the application is rejected?

As with I-485, I suspect, USCIS will not count time from I-94 expire to decision on I-539 as being out of status time, but if they decide not to extend, more than likely they will give you up to 30 days to leave the country without penalty.

But this is just a hunch.

[second stage 14]

As with I-485, I suspect, USCIS will not count time from I-94 expire to decision on I-539 as being out of status time, but if they decide not to extend, more than likely they will give you up to 30 days to leave the country without penalty.

But this is just a hunch.

ahh..well, in that case wouldn't I be better off applying for their Permanent Residency(so they won't have to deal with visitor visas, travel issues etc...)

[YuAndDan 153]

As with I-485, I suspect, USCIS will not count time from I-94 expire to decision on I-539 as being out of status time, but if they decide not to extend, more than likely they will give you up to 30 days to leave the country without penalty.

But this is just a hunch.

ahh..well, in that case wouldn't I be better off applying for their Permanent Residency(so they won't have to deal with visitor visas, travel issues etc...)

Keep in mind a Green-card is NOT a "Permanent Visa" it is for permanent residency within the USA, if you have a green-card, and then return to home-country with intent to reside there for more than 6 months USCIS can determine that the LPR status has been abandoned and revoke the green-card.

[second stage 14]

Keep in mind a Green-card is NOT a "Permanent Visa" it is for permanent residency within the USA, if you have a green-card, and then return to home-country with intent to reside there for more than 6 months USCIS can determine that the LPR status has been abandoned and revoke the green-card.

Thanks for the suggestion YuAndDan . Yes, I understand and considering my parents are retired they may prefer to stay with their kids rather than live alone elsewhere..

[Boiler 46,094]

As with I-485, I suspect, USCIS will not count time from I-94 expire to decision on I-539 as being out of status time, but if they decide not to extend, more than likely they will give you up to 30 days to leave the country without penalty.

But this is just a hunch.

ahh..well, in that case wouldn't I be better off applying for their Permanent Residency(so they won't have to deal with visitor visas, travel issues etc...)

How would you do that? Your time line suggests you are not a USC?

[second stage 14]

How would you do that? Your time line suggests you are not a USC?

I Am....Have you applied for B-2 extension for your parents?