Extending a tourist visa or do a visa run?

[Rugby7 0]

Hello,

My friend is from Argentina and he is currently in the US on a 6 month tourist visa(he has a 10 year visa), he wants to know if he can extend his visa for another 6 months by applying, and if so what form is that? OR does he have to leave the country and reenter to get another 6 months? If he leaves the US, does he have to stay out of the US for a certain period of time?

Thanks for any answers!

[Saddle Bronc 124]

The form for extending non-immigrant non-working visa is I-539 which costs $300 to file.

Best bet is that he leave the country for at least six months and then come in again.

[juliava 80]

Hello,

My friend is from Argentina and he is currently in the US on a 6 month tourist visa(he has a 10 year visa), he wants to know if he can extend his visa for another 6 months by applying, and if so what form is that? OR does he have to leave the country and reenter to get another 6 months? If he leaves the US, does he have to stay out of the US for a certain period of time?

Thanks for any answers!

Generally, a tourist who enters on the 10-year multiple entry visa, is only given six months to stay in the U.S, depending on the IO at the port of entry. If one wishes to stay in the U.S. longer, s/he has to file for an extension of status with the USCIS (form I-539), but I would say the chances of approval are minimal, unless there is a serious reason for that extension that could be proved. Reasons such as an interest in continuing to visit with family or friends, visiting specific tourist attractions, or to attend an important family occasion are good ones.

On the other hand, those who state that they wish to remain in the U.S. in order to find work, marry their love interest, or to study will definitely find themselves denied. (Those seeking to study in the U.S. may however be eligible to change their status to F-1 student status).

Essentially, 6 month extensions are granted to individuals who demonstrate that they have the financial ability to support themselves throughout their extended stay and have an intention to depart the U.S. within the requested extension period. That means, applicants must include a copy of their own recent bank account statement (preferably from overseas) reflecting sufficient funds available to finance their living expenses during their extended stay. Alternatively, an affidavit of support, Form I-134, can be provided by a U.S. permanent resident or citizen friend or family member.As far as an intention to depart is concerned, the applicant should include in their filing a copy of a return plane ticket reflecting a set departure date within the extended period being requested.

I don't know if your friend wants to go through all this trouble. I personally think it's easier and safer to leave and re-enter US. There is no interval pre-set by law between 2 visits on B1/B2 visa because not every visitor has the same profile or purpose of visit. But the frequency of visits should match the purpose of visits. Business visitors entering on B-1 may enter 10-12 times a year for short stays of a week or so without any problems. But a parent who has just spent 6 months with her children and enters again after a month most problably will have problems.

Generally, people spending 5-6 months for casual stays should wait at least another 5-6 months before re-entering. There can be exceptions in cases of genuine need.

[Boiler 45,519]

A good reason would be being on a life support system.