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Lila T.
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The Economic Times NRI Helpdesk: Can I extend my US visitor visa before it expires? And other FAQ's answered by Rajiv S. Khanna
Question: I have a visitor visa for the USA for multiple visits up to June-2023. Can I apply for an extension of the visa before the expiry date? Also, advise procedure for extensions and where I can get the application form, so I can keep all details ready.
Answer: I am not aware if there is a procedure to apply for a visitor visa extension before expiration. You can send an email to the consulate to confirm. There is, however, a restriction under the consular standard operating procedures on holding concurrently valid visas of the same type.
Feb 3, 2022 Free US Immigration Community Conference Call with Rajiv (Every Other Thursday)
Citizenship and Naturalization
Green Card
Discussion topics:
Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday), 15 October 2015
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
Substantial transcription for video
Topics for Discussion:
FAQ: J-2 or J-1 with 212(e) HRR converting to F-1 student; FAQ: For PERM is formal certificate required or completion of degree is enough; Correcting dates on I-94; Travel while H-1 extension pending – change in I-94#; Changing employers - what immigration documents should I keep; FAQ: Maternity leave on H-1, FMLA and status.
Other: Multiple I-140 approvals; I-140 denial; Cap-gap extension; Effect of change in citizenship on H-1; PERM/AC21 and multiple I-485 filing; Family-based green card change in category; Child turning 21 – CSPA and derivative non-immigrant status loss; L-1A visa and EB-1C filing; Filing I-485 for spouse; PERM more than 50% different job; Cross chargeability; I-130 fraud by spouse; Maternity leave on H-1; AOS filing; F-2 COS; H-1quota, etc.
Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday), 23 February 2017
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
Green Card
Substantial transcription for video
Discussion Topics, Thursday, 23 February 2017:
FAQ: The new regulations, withdrawal of I-40, H-1 extensions; Will H-4 EAD Rule be revoked? || Can pending immigration applications be affected by changes in the law?|| Entering the USA on B-1/B-2 visa to get married; Misdemeanor conviction effect under Trump executive order; Legal rights/benefits of Green Card compared to H1B; Using for green card experience gained with end client; Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR) traveling to Canada.
Other: PERM advertising requirements, salary; Does CSPA protect based upon an old I-140/PERM? || L-1A eligibility if visiting the USA frequently; Reopening abandoned green card case; I-140 revocation for errors; Changing from H-1 to H-4 while transfer is pending; H-4EAD and back to H-1; EB-1A for a computer professional; Consular processing of green card; Effect of affidavit of support; Counting H-1B period while COS is pending; etc.
Jan 23, Recording of Free Community Conference Call (Every Other Thursday)
Immigration.com
Citizenship and Naturalization
Substantial transcription for video
Discussion Topics, Thursday, January 23, 2020
FAQ: Tourist/Visitors visa for people with special needs or challenges || Risk for green card process in joining a small company, unfamiliar with immigration || Impact of 214(b) denial || Requirements for obtaining green card under EB-1C, International Managers and Executives ||
OTHER: NVC fees issues || USC relocating to India while green card petition for parents is pending || Is original I-140 approval required for priority date transfer? || Effect of subsequent H-1B, H-4 approval on current H-1B, H-4 case || Additional review of a pending I-140, delay || USCIS processing times estimate || 221(g) Administrative processing for H-1B visa || CSPA logistical problems || Carrying cash in and out of the USA || Incorrect DS-160 || List of cap exempt employers || Naturalization of children
Recording for March 23, 2023 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
Discussion Topics - March 23, 2023
FAQs: Handling H-1B visa and layoff : What happens if I get laid off before or after stamping my visa in India? || Marriage and relocation to the U.S. : Quickest path for prospective fiancé of U.S Citizen living in India || AC21 AOS portability: Pending AOS I-140 withdrawn before 180 days || What to do if one is in India during the PERM and I-140 process ||
Recording for April 06, 2023 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Immigration.com
Nonimmigrant Visas
Immigration Law
Discussion Topics:
F-1 visa stamping and stamping in third-country; Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR)
Question details
I am in the US with an approved COS from B2 to F1, so my F1 visa is yet to be stamped on my (Indian)Passport.
1. My STEM masters program is for 9 months, and my I20 has a start and end date of 2 years(2026). Do I have to stamp before the end of 2 years to avail myself of the OPT and STEM validity?
2.I might have to visit a family member in Canada sometime in mid-2025 after my master's program has started. Is it advisable to go to Canada since I do not have the F1 stamped on my Visa? If I can visit, then will I require a different visa?
3. Is it possible for me to schedule my F1 Visa stamping in Canada during the visit? Or would you advise something different here? Or is it better to get it stamped in Mexico?
FAQ Transcript
If you are on an F-1 visa converted from B-2, your visa stamp is only necessary if you plan to travel outside the U.S. While in the U.S., your status is governed by your I-94, which typically says "DS" (duration of status) and remains valid as long as you maintain your student status.
If traveling briefly to Canada or Mexico for under 30 days, you can use Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR) to return without a visa stamp, provided you haven’t applied for and been refused a visa during your visit. Scheduling visa stamping in Canada is risky—if denied, you lose AVR eligibility and must return to India to reapply.
U.S. Embassy in Paris Announces Changes in NIV Appointment System
As of July 29, 2012, all non-immigrant visa applicants must fill in the DS 160 application form and pay the MRV fee through purchase of a mandat compte before scheduling an appointment. The reference numbers of both the DS 160 and the mandat compte must be provided at time of scheduling.
Important notice
Recording for September 26, 2024 Conference Call with Rajiv S. Khanna
Nonimmigrant Visas
Topics Discussed:
FAQs: EB-2 NIW I-140 portability for employer-sponsored cases || Concerns regarding nonpayment of wages and potential H-1B impact || Maintaining LPR status (Green Card) during extended absences for employment || Rising NIW rejection rates: Examining changes in eligibility criteria
J-1 Waiver Based on Exceptional Hardship Upon a U.S. Citizen Child
We filed an application seeking a waiver of the foreign residence requirement for our client based on exceptional hardship upon the client’s U.S. citizen child. We argued that the minor child would suffer extreme hardship if he were forced to leave the U.S. with his mother to fulfill the two-year home residency requirement because of a serious medical condition, for which treatment was not readily available in the applicant’s home country. We provided ample supporting documentation in this regard.
USCIS granted the waiver.
Nonimmigrant Visas
Immigration Law
Citizenship and Naturalization
Immigration impact of past criminal law allegations - Will a reduced traffic misdemeanor affect my US visa application?
Question details
I was involved in a car accident 2 years ago and got a traffic misdemeanor ticket that was reduced to illegal parking and 200$ fine from court. There was No Arrest & No Hearing. Given the current crisis, I would like to know whether it will impact my visa or immigration cases. If yes, how can we avoid those problems?
Related FAQs:
FAQ: Immigration impact of past omission or errors in Form DS-160 or other government forms.
I am a mechanical engineering PhD student in PA on an F1 visa from a ROW, with no travel ban. Came to the US in Dec 20XX.
When applying F1, made a mistake in DS-160, said i never applied to immigrant visa before though I had applied to DV (DV rejected). I only said so without realizing DV is also called an immigrant visa (I thought it was company sponsor, marriage, etc.); it was an innocent mistake. I realized it last week in an immigration seminar at uni. I also applied for DV after arriving in the USA.
I-20 ends in 12/20XX, F1 ends in 11/20XX, and the passport ends in 2032. Will travel be an issue before 11/20? How likely is it that a random check will reveal this mistake without traveling? I'll tell the truth when asked, but what are the consequences? What can I do?
For OPT, STEM OPT, or if I need extra PhD time and graduate in 2028, will it be a problem if I extend the I-20 duration? Or if I switch to another US uni next semester?
NIW prepared DIY, ready to file, but unsure because it is an immigrant visa, similar to DV. Wanna do PP, with approved I-140, can I get OPT or stem opt (before filing 485)? Should I go home for a visa extension, or can Mexico/Canada do it?
FAQ: Immigration impact of prior dismissed Domestic Violence case
I had a domestic violence case 5 years ago, which was dismissed. With the new government now and the news about visa denials and deportations, can you please tell me your thoughts on if there will be any problems with my stamping even if I get the stamping done successfully, will there be challenges entering into the US in the port of entry?
Or there are no changes in how visa processing is handled for people with dismissed domestic violence cases. Thank you for your guidance.
FAQ Transcript
Minor past infractions, even those reduced to non-criminal violations like illegal parking, are causing concern for visa applicants. Here's a breakdown:
- Non-immigrant visas (B1/B2, F/J): These are the most vulnerable. Even minor issues can be raised during visa stamping due to a shift in the US government's stance, though denial based on a reduced traffic misdemeanor is unlikely. The impact on already issued visas is still unclear and is being litigated.
- Work visas (H, L, E): These are less likely to be affected by minor past incidents.
- Green cards: Generally, only more serious issues, like drug convictions or multiple convictions, pose a problem.
- Citizenship: Good moral character is required, but incidents outside the 5 years preceding the application usually aren't a major concern, and rehabilitation can be a factor.
Regarding the specific question about a traffic misdemeanor reduced to illegal parking with a fine:
- Immigration impact: It should not impact your immigration status (deportability/inadmissibility).
- Visa impact: While the government might cause a delay during stamping, they should not deny your visa based on this.
Crucially, it is recommended to consult with a lawyer specializing in deportation/removal defense (with at least 10-15 years of experience) in the state where the incident occurred to understand the specific potential impact on your case. Dismissals can sometimes have immigration consequences even if they aren't criminal convictions.
Memorandum: Employment Eligibility for Derivatives of Conrad State 30 Program Physicians
USCIS does not believe that a J-2 dependent of a J-1 foreign medical graduate can change to H-1B status, or any other employment-authorized nonimmigrant classification (with the exception of T or U status) until the principal Conrad State 30 waiver recipient has fulfilled his or her three-year employment obligations in a medically underserved area.However, USCIS is open to reviewing current regulations and considereing whether steps should be taken to enable such J-2 dependents to engage in employment while in H-4 status.
DHS Ends Automatic Extension of Employment Authorization
Release Date
10/29/2025
New rule prioritizes vetting, screening to protect public safety, national security