• Admission to the United States in Business (B-1) or Visitor for Pleasure ( B-2) status is limited to 30 days, unless the individual provides evidence explaining why more time is needed (maximum admission is 6 months).

• Extensions of stay are limited to “unexpected events” and “compelling humanitarian reasons.”

• All prospective students must declare this at the port of entry and have the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record marked accordingly.

• If an individual files an extension, he/she must leave U.S. at the end of the period requested, even if USCIS has not replied.

Documentation:

In addition to the Application to Change/Extend Status (Form I-539) and a check for the fee appropriate for form I-539, made payable to the USCIS, an individual who currently holds Business ( B-1) or Visitor for Pleasure ( B-2) status is required to submit:

• A copy of the alien’s passport and visa (if applicable).

• Proof of financial support in the form of letters/affidavits of support, bank statements, etc.

• A photocopy of the alien’s Form I-94 and any other documentation establishing his/her current legal nonimmigrant status in the United States (e.g., a valid and unexpired Form I-20, Form IAP-66, Employment Authorization Document, etc.).

• Any other supporting documentation establishing the alien’s eligibility for either continued B-1 or B-2 status.

Place of filing:  The application package should be sent to the USCIS Service Center that has jurisdiction over the applicant’s state of residence. In Philadelphia, the address of the USCIS to which the application should be sent is included in the directions on the form I-539 available at www.uscis.gov/ and "forms"
 

The decision to grant or deny a request for extension of stay is made solely by the USCIS.  If the application for an extension is approved, the alien will be issued a replacement I-94 Arrival/Departure Record with a new departure date. If the application is denied and the alien’s prior period of stay has already expired, the alien will be given a request for his/her voluntary departure.