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Can you extend your stay in the United States?

On Behalf of | May 5, 2021 | Immigration Law

If you are an immigrant in Kentucky who would like to extend your stay in the country, you’ll need to get authorization from the federal government to do so. To initiate this process, you must file a request with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS. Without filing this form, you may not remain in the United States.

Filling out an application

To prevent deportation, you’ll need to fill out form I-539. This form is also known as an Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. This form must be filled before your authorized stay expires. If you do remain in the United States past the authorized expiration date on your paperwork, you may be deported, or you may be barred from ever returning to the United States in the future. It’s highly recommended to file Form I-539 at least 45 days before your authorized stay date expiration.

Who can extend their stay?

In order to be eligible to file Form I-539, you’ll need to meet a few eligibility requirements. First, you must have been lawfully admitted into the country with a valid nonimmigrant visa. You’ll need to have a valid passport, and it must remain valid throughout the extended duration of your stay. During your time in the United States, you must not have committed any crimes or violated any of the conditions of your admission into the country. If you meet all these eligibility requirements, then you may file an Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status to extend your stay in the United States.

If you want to stay longer in the United States, it starts with filling out Form I-539. Just ensure that you meet all of the eligibility requirements before you submit the form to USCIS. It’s highly advisable to speak to an attorney to ensure that your best interests are looked after throughout this process.