Can i extend the visa waiver? or do i need to apply for B-2?

[mandyg 0]

Hi all! Im absolutely stumped so I need some help regarding the B-2 & VMP visa.

I currently hold a travel visa with the visa waiver program. However, I want to extend that 90 days to around 120. Is it possible to extend the VMP or do I need to apply for a B-2? Also, can I go over on the visa waiver and then apply for a B-2/extension? Or should I organize it all before I leave…

I’m not sure if its relevant but my reasoning for needing the extension is because I’m going on a road trip with my boyfriend and we underestimated how long it would take.

Thanks in advance

[Asia 2,498]

You can't extend your VWP.

And you'd have to apply for B2 visa before leaving your country, since you'll need that to be admitted to the US.

You can't to that within the US.

[Penguin_ie 5,995]

The problem is that if you get denied for the B2, you can;t sue the VWP anymore either, at least for a while.

You may be better off splitting your road trip in two, one for 79 ish days, go home for a while then come back.

[mandyg 0]

The problem is that if you get denied for the B2, you can;t sue the VWP anymore either, at least for a while.

You may be better off splitting your road trip in two, one for 79 ish days, go home for a while then come back.

We both have flights out of the country and he has his Australian visa. We both have concrete plans on leaving, do you think they could find a reason to deny this?

[Penguin_ie 5,995]

I think with wanting to stay 120 days, as opposed to a full 6 months, and assuming you have plenty of funds to show so they don't think you will be working in the US, you have a decent chance, but it is never a guarantee. They often wonder why someone wants to stay longer than 90 days/ why they cannot split their visits in 2/ how they can afford to be away from home so long. Make sure you have proof of ties/proof you must be leaving, NOT just a return flight- stuff such as a job to go back to, university enrollment and such.

[Teddy B 17,252]

There are a lot of threads here on VJ about people from VWP countries that applied for B2 visas and got denied. If it were my decision to make, I would stick with the ESTA and the 90 days rather than risk it all. Some is better than none in my opinion.

Good Luck!

[mandyg 0]

Valid points! Thank you all for the info

[KierenHby 899]

Plus, to extend a stay on any visa or VWP, an extension request must be accompanied by a valid reason or an emergency. Road trip with a boyfriend doesn't qualify imo.