United States Visa Requirements
Frequently asked questions
Can I extend my stay in United States once I'm there?
Yes. You can apply from inside United States to stay longer, and you must do it before your current permission runs out. The official fee is $420. Granted in increments of up to 6 months. Repeated extensions are scrutinised as evidence of immigrant intent and are often refused without a compelling reason such as medical treatment or a family emergency. $420 filing online, $470 by mail, plus $85 for biometrics where required. File Form I-539 with USCIS before the date printed on your I-94. Filing on time keeps you in authorised stay while the case is pending, even past the I-94 date. Premium processing cannot be bought for a B-1/B-2 extension at any price, and the median decision takes about 3.4 months — so an approval may cover a period that has already largely passed. File early rather than expecting speed.
Is the information on this page guaranteed to be accurate?
We check what we publish against official sources where we can, and clearly flag anything still pending verification. Even so, visa rules change — sometimes with very little notice — so please treat this page as a strong starting point, not a final word, and confirm directly with the official source linked above before you book or fly.
Before you travel — checklist
- Check your passport has enough remaining validity for your trip to United States — many countries require at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, even for visa-free entry.
- Start your visa application process well before your travel date — don't leave this until the last few days.
- Note this specific requirement for United States: Effective June 9, 2025, U.S. visas will no longer be issued to citizens of 12 countries, with certain exemptions..
- Check whether United States requires proof of onward or return travel — some border officers ask for this even when it isn't formally listed as a requirement.
- Consider travel insurance that covers your trip to United States, particularly if any medical or emergency evacuation coverage is required or advisable for the region.
- This page's details for United States are still pending full verification — confirm everything directly with an official government source before finalising your plans.
Visa rules change — sometimes with very little notice. This page reflects our best information as of 2026, but if you're reading this later than that, treat it as a starting point rather than the final word, and always confirm with the official source above before you travel.