Applying for B1/B2 while under the ESTA visa in USA
I am a Maltese citizen, and I am visiting the USA currently by ESTA visa (visa waiver program), so I can't stay here more than three months, but I need to stay more because I have to spend more time with my uncle, whose wife passed away. I need to know if I can apply for a B1/B2 visa while in USA or from any other country near USA that allows me to stay more.
Best Answer
It is not possible to apply for a B2 visa whilst in the US - it must be done at a US Consulate outside of the US.
There is a process for extending a VWP stay by up to 30 days in the event of an "emergency". The process is described on the CBP website, and will involve contacting the nearest USCIS Field Office, which can be found on the USCIS website.
Depending on the exact situation it's very possible that this would not constitute an "emergency", but contacting the USCIS to request an extension doesn't have a downside so it's worth at least trying.
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Can I apply for a B2 visa if I have an ESTA?
Even if you have a valid ESTA, if you apply for a visa and the application is denied, this is a changed circumstance that requires you to reapply for ESTA and the new ESTA application will likely be denied now that you have a B visa denial on record.Can I apply for another visa while in the USA?
Whether you can change from your current immigration status to another one while in the U.S. depends on the type of visa you originally received. For example, many students successfully switch to employment-based temporary visas. However, some visa categories don't allow changes of status to student.Can you apply for a B-1 visa in USA?
You may be eligible for a B-1 visa if you will be participating in business activities of a commercial or professional nature in the United States, including, but not limited to: Consulting with business associates.Is ESTA visa same as B1 B2?
If you plan to stay in the U.S. for no longer than 90 days for purposes of tourism or a short-term business trip, applying for ESTA enables smoother and quicker entry procedures than applying for a visa. But if you are unable to receive ESTA authorization for any reasons, applying for a B1/B2 visa.The TRUTH about adjusting status after coming to USA with ESTA or tourist visa - Don’t buy the hype!
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