IMMIGRATION - Extend / Change Non-Immigration Status (Nationwide) - To extend or change your non-immigrant status in the US, you generally need to file Form I-539, "Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status," with USCIS, before your current authorized stay expires.
When to Use Form I-539:
Extension of Stay:
If you want to stay in the US beyond your current authorized period, you'll need to apply for an extension of stay.
Change of Status:
If you want to switch from one non-immigrant visa category to another (e.g., from a tourist visa to a student visa), you'll need to apply for a change of status.
Bridging Gaps:
Even if USCIS approves your request, you may need to file a Form I-539 to "bridge" any gap between the expiration of your current status and the start of the validity of your future status.
Price does not include any Third-Party Fees; Local, State and/or Federal Application or Filing Fees.
IMMIGRATION - Extend / Change Non-Immigration Status (Nationwide)
IMMIGRATION - Re-Entry Permit (Nationwide) - A re-entry permit allows green card holders to maintain their U.S. residence while traveling abroad, while an advance parole document permits individuals to travel back to the U.S. without a visa
Re-Entry Permit:
- Purpose: To maintain U.S. residence for green card holders during trips abroad.Form I-485
- Requirement: Green card holders who travel abroad for more than a year may be presumed to have abandoned their residence, and a re-entry permit helps demonstrate intent to return.
- Application: Use Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records.
- Appearance: Resembles a U.S. passport.
- Re-entering the US: A valid re-entry permit ensures that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials won't consider your period of absence from the United States as evidence that you've abandoned your U.S. residence.
Advance Parole Document:
- Purpose: To allow individuals to travel back to the United States without applying for a visa
- Who it's for: Individuals who have applied for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident or have refugee/asylee status.
- Application: Use Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records.
- Appearance: A single piece of paper with the alien's photo.
- Re-entering the US: Re-entering the U.S. with an AP document counts as a lawful entry to the U.S., which is a requirement for qualified individuals to get their green card (lawful permanent resident status) from within the U.S.
- Note: Advance Parole does NOT guarantee re-entry to the U.S.
Price does not include any Third-Party Fees; Local, State and/or Federal Application or Filing Fees.