Extension of B1 and B2 Visas amidst the Coronavirus crisis

It is well known that we are facing a global crisis due to the spread of the COVID-19.

Since one of the entry permits offered by the US government is B1 and B2 temporary visas, many travelers are currently required to stay in the US thanks to the borders’ closure due to the pandemic.

These temporary visas allow people to enter the country and temporarily reside there on a business or tourism permit.

B1 Visa

The B1 Visa allows business or investment in the country. This permission applies to the following scenarios:

• Foreigners who want to invest in US businesses.
• Temporary business trips.
• Investors conferences or congregations.
• Negotiation of contracts between countries.

B2 visa

The B2 Visa allows foreigners to make tourist trips to the US. This permission applies to the following scenarios:

• Tourist activities.
• Purchases in the US.
• To visit family or friends residing in the country.
• Medical treatment.

If your B1 or B2 visa is about to expire, we can help you

Most of the processes of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are delayed due to the Coronavirus, therefore, expert guidance is needed to cope with the situation of thousands of foreign visitors.

Let’s look at some of the possible scenarios if your B1 or B2 visa is about to expire.

How can you avoid “unlawful presence” if your visa expires soon?

According to USCIS, you could accumulate “Unlawful Presence” if:

• You reside in the US without being admitted with legal permission.
• You remain in the US after your residence permit has expired.

However, you may be exempt from “unlawful presence” for several reasons. For more information on exemption guidelines, feel free to contact Motion Law today.

Can you request an extension of the B1 or B2 Visa?

Sure you can! It is always best to make the visa extension request if it is about to expire.

It is also advisable to request an extension with experts’ guidance to avoid the “unlawful presence” because this status may prohibit you from re-entering the country for several years.

You can call us at any time so we can analyze your case and see if it is necessary to request an extension of your visa now.

What form should be filled out for the extension request?

Normally, to change the status of your visa or extend your residence permit with the current visa, the form that must be completed is I-539.

However, each case is unique and it is best to follow the advice of expert immigration attorneys.

What happens if your extension request is denied and you cannot return to your homeland?

The only way that an extension request can be denied is if the process and documents are not properly presented.

For this reason it is always better to have a continuous accompaniment in any immigration case that might be presented to the US government.

At Motion Law we can guide and advise you on immigration processes, we will help you to avoid having your request denied.

If you have any questions about an immigration issue or relating to a case you may have currently in Progress, then please don’t hesitate to contact us for a FREE Phone Consultation with one of our expert immigration attorneys.

Simply call Motion Law today at: (202) 918-1799