Is your nonimmigrant Visa expiring, and are you unsure of your next steps? An I-94 Visa attorney in San Antonio can help extend your stay and update your I-94. Form I-94, or the Arrival/Departure Record Card, documents your admission and authorized stay in the United States congruent with your Visa. This article delves into the intricacies of the I-94 and Visa extension process, highlighting how an immigration attorney can assist with both. You can further enjoy what San Antonio offers with an approved Visa extension.
Work With An I-94 Visa Attorney In San Antonio
If you want to lengthen your stay, you must apply for an extension with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once approved, you can update your I-94. A Visa attorney possesses the necessary skills to navigate both these processes and help you avoid issues from an unlawful stay. Obtaining a Visa extension involves multiple steps and strict adherence to immigration requirements. By engaging a Visa lawyer, you gain a dedicated advocate who understands the intricacies and can streamline the process. Their support ensures USCIS compliance and reduces the stress and uncertainty of extending your nonimmigrant status. Additionally, experienced attorneys can clarify any confusing details in your I-94 record. They can identify and correct errors with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Their proactive approach helps you understand all the essential information about your I-94, ensuring you remain informed at every step.Overview Of Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record
Form I-94 is an arrival or departure record for foreign nationals, documenting their extension of stay or adjustment of their status. Issued by the USCBP, it serves as evidence of lawful U.S. admission and specifies the authorized period an individual can stay. Traditionally, the I-94 form was a paper document stapled into the traveler’s passport upon arrival. However, CBP has largely automated this process, collecting information electronically from travel records. You can access and print your information online through the CBP website or mobile app. The I-94 contains several key pieces of background information, including your biographical details, admission date, and port of entry to the U.S. It also shows your Visa category and, most importantly, your authorized stay or “Admit Until Date.” It could be a specific date or “Duration of Status” for some individuals, such as student Visa holders. Understanding the I-94 is vital for extending your stay. It enables you to make informed decisions and take the necessary steps to maintain lawful status.Extending Your Visa In The United States
Extending your visit to the United States is a two-step process: applying for a Visa extension and modifying your I-94. First, you must file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, with USCIS. Once your Visa extension is approved, you must update your I-94 to reflect the new authorized stay period.Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a Visa extension, you must meet several criteria. You must have entered the U.S. legally with a valid Visa and have no history of crimes, immigration law violations, or overstaying your previous stay. Your passport must be valid for the duration of the extended stay. In addition, you must demonstrate that you can financially support yourself during the lengthened period without working illegally. It can be through employment verification, bank statements, or sponsorship documents. Finally, you must provide a valid and compelling reason for the extension to immigration officials.Common Reasons For Extension
USCIS considers several factors when evaluating a request to extend a Visa. Some generally acceptable reasons for a Visa extension include:- Family emergencies or events: Ongoing medical care for you or a family member past your Visa period or unexpected family events like weddings or births.
- Unforeseen travel issues: Situations beyond your control, such as flight cancellations or natural disasters, prevent your departure.
- Change in circumstances: Your employer may request an extended stay in a Work Visa category, or an academic program may require additional time to complete.