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Immigration Application to Extend Stay

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IMMIGRATION APPLICATION TO EXTEND STAY

Client Name:   Representative/Firm Name:

Agreement Date:

WHEREAS

WHEREAS, Applicant seeks an extension of authorized stay in the country of residence pending adjudication of an immigration benefit request, and requires professional representation in preparing and submitting an application to the appropriate immigration authority;

WHEREAS, Representative is qualified and agrees to provide professional immigration representation, documentation preparation, and filing services as set forth in this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the parties wish to set forth their respective rights and obligations in connection with the application to extend stay and related services.

APPLICANT INFORMATION

CURRENT IMMIGRATION STATUS

EXTENSION REQUESTED

Requested Extension From:   To:

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

Indicate documents provided to Representative (check applicable):

Passport copy    Passport-style photos    Financial documentation (bank statements, sponsor letter)

Medical records    Employer/school letter    Educational credentials

SCOPE OF WORK (REPRESENTATIVE SERVICES)

Representative shall provide the following services on behalf of Applicant. Representative will perform services with reasonable care, will prepare and file the extension application and supporting exhibits, communicate with the immigration authority on routine procedural matters, and advise Applicant regarding any requests for evidence or interview scheduling.

PAYMENT TERMS

Applicant agrees to pay Representative the fees and costs for services as set forth below. All fees are earned as described and are due in accordance with the payment schedule.

Late Fee: If any payment is more than days late, Applicant will be charged a late fee equal to of the overdue amount or , whichever is greater.

TERM AND TERMINATION

This Agreement commences on and continues until the completion of Representative's filing and related proceedings or until , unless earlier terminated as provided herein.

Either party may terminate this Agreement for convenience by providing written notice at least days prior to termination. Termination does not relieve Applicant of the obligation to pay for services rendered and costs incurred prior to termination.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Representative shall maintain in confidence all non-public information provided by Applicant in connection with the representation and shall not disclose such information except as required to prepare the application, as required by law, or with Applicant's prior written consent. Representative may disclose case information to subcontracted experts or translators under obligations of confidentiality.

GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction selected by the parties below, without regard to conflict of law rules.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement, including any written attachments and disclosures, constitutes the entire agreement between Applicant and Representative concerning the subject matter hereof, supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, and may be amended only by a written instrument signed by both parties.

DECLARATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Applicant certifies that all information provided to Representative for the purposes of preparing the extension application is true and correct to the best of Applicant's knowledge. Applicant understands that knowingly providing false information to immigration authorities may constitute grounds for denial, removal proceedings, or other penalties.

Applicant authorizes Representative to prepare, sign where permitted, and file all forms and documents necessary to pursue the requested extension of stay, to receive and review correspondence and notices from the immigration authority, and to respond to routine procedural inquiries on Applicant's behalf.

I hereby certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct and that I authorize Representative to act on my behalf for the purposes described.

Applicant:

By:

Date:

Representative:

By:

Date:

Enter text✕

What the Immigration Application to Extend Stay Is

The Immigration Application to Extend Stay is the USCIS form(s) and supporting materials used to request additional authorized time in the United States beyond a current nonimmigrant admission period. Applicants typically use Form I-539 or the specific extension/adjustment form that applies to their nonimmigrant classification, supplying identity data, status information, supporting evidence and any required biometrics. The filing asks USCIS to review continued eligibility and either grant an extension of stay, deny the request, or take other immigration action based on submitted documentation and applicable law.

Why an Accurate Extension Request Matters

A correctly prepared application preserves lawful status while USCIS adjudicates the request, reduces the risk of denial or accrual of unlawful presence, and documents factual grounds for continued admission under U.S. immigration law.

Why an Accurate Extension Request Matters

Who Typically Prepares or Signs the Application

Common filers include nonimmigrant travelers, dependents, and legal representatives completing USCIS extension requests on behalf of applicants.

  • Nonimmigrant Applicant — Individuals seeking to extend their authorized stay because of travel changes, delayed plans, or ongoing eligibility for their current classification.
  • Family Member or Derivative — Dependents who file separate extension requests tied to a principal applicant’s status or underlying petition.
  • Attorney or Accredited Representative — Licensed counsel who prepares filings, provides legal argument, and signs where authorized by the applicant.

Understanding each party’s role helps ensure signatures, fees, and supporting evidence are provided in the correct order and by the right person.

Representative User Profiles

Applicant — Traveler

A nonimmigrant visitor currently in the U.S. whose passport admission stamp or I-94 will expire soon; prepares identity documentation, travel history, and evidence of continued eligibility to support a timely USCIS extension request.

Immigration Attorney

An attorney or accredited representative assembles the file, verifies identity documents, drafts legal arguments when necessary, and ensures fees and biometrics are scheduled according to USCIS instructions; provides a signed Form G-28 if representing the applicant.

Step-by-step: Completing an Extension Application

Follow this sequential checklist to prepare a clear, consistent application packet for USCIS review.

  • 01
    Gather Documents: Collect passport, I-94, visa, and supporting evidence.
  • 02
    Complete Form: Fill in the appropriate USCIS form accurately.
  • 03
    Pay Fees: Include the correct USCIS filing and biometric fees.
  • 04
    Submit to USCIS: File per form instructions and retain the receipt notice.

How to set up a digital workflow for an extension request

Configure online fields, authentication, and document attachments to mirror USCIS requirements and ensure auditability.

Field Configuration
Signature Placement Place signature and date fields where USCIS expects signature blocks.
Attachments Require passport, I-94, and evidence uploads before submission.
Authentication Enable email and SMS verification for signer attribution.
Notifications Set receipt and status update emails to applicant and representative.

Where to file and how submissions are routed

Follow USCIS filing instructions for the specific extension form; choose electronic filing if available or mail to the designated lockbox or service center.

  • USCIS Online Portal: E-file when the form is supported online.
  • Designated Lockbox: Mail paper filings to the lockbox address in form instructions.
  • Local USCIS Office: Attend biometrics or interviews at the assigned ASC or field office.
  • Representative Copies: Provide counsel a complete copy and Form G-28 when applicable.

Digital signing and distribution: basic requirements

Choose a platform that supports common file formats, strong signer attribution, and integration with document storage and case management systems.

  • File Formats: PDF, DOCX, and fillable forms
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, and multifactor verification
  • Integrations: Salesforce, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace

Timing and submission deadlines to observe

Timely filing is critical: submit an extension request before your authorized stay expires and follow USCIS guidance to avoid a status lapse.

File Before Expiration:

Submit the application prior to the end date on your I-94 to preserve status where permitted.

Receipt Notice:

USCIS issues a Form I-797 receipt that confirms filing and case number.

Biometrics Appointment:

Attend any scheduled ASC appointment to avoid processing delays.

Processing Times:

Adjudication varies by form and service center; expect weeks to months.

Travel While Pending:

International travel may affect eligibility; consult USCIS rules before departing.

Key milestones during adjudication

Track these milestones so you can respond to USCIS requests and maintain documentation throughout processing.

01

Prepare Application

Assemble accurate form, evidence, and fees ready for filing.

02

File and Receive Receipt

USCIS issues a receipt with case number and intake date.

03

Biometrics/Interview

Complete biometrics or interview if USCIS schedules them.

04

Decision Issued

USCIS grants, denies, or issues a request for evidence.

Core components of a professional extension application

A complete submission organizes identity, status, evidence, fees, biometric compliance, and a clear signature block so USCIS can verify eligibility efficiently.

Applicant Information

Full legal name, date of birth, country of birth, passport details and any USCIS A-number; be precise for identity linking and background checks.

Current Status Details

Provide the nonimmigrant classification, I-94 admission date/number, and passport admission stamp to establish the baseline period of authorized stay.

Supporting Evidence

Attach documents proving continued eligibility (employer letters, school enrollment, medical records) and explanatory statements for delays or changed circumstances.

Fees and Biometrics

Include the correct USCIS filing fee and biometrics fee where required; missing fees commonly cause rejection or processing delays.

Representative Documentation

If an attorney files, include Form G-28 or equivalent authorization to link counsel to the case and permit secure communication.

Signatures and Dates

Ensure the applicant (or authorized representative) signs and dates the form in the required format to demonstrate intent and attribution.

Security and compliance considerations

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit; AES-256 at rest
Audit Trail: Captures IP, timestamp, and signer actions
HIPAA: BAA required for PHI processing
ESIGN / UETA: Meets ESIGN and UETA standards
21 CFR Part 11: Compliant options for FDA records
SOC 2 / ISO: SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001

Consequences of errors or late filing

Denial of Request: Application may be denied
Unlawful Presence: Status lapse may trigger accrual
Removal Proceedings: Denial can lead to removal actions
Travel Risks: Departing while pending can affect readmission
Loss of Benefits: Work or study authorization could end
Fee Forfeiture: Incorrect filing fees may not be refunded

Common preparation mistakes to avoid

  • Incomplete evidence sets (missing employer letters, school records, or medical documentation) which force USCIS to issue Requests for Evidence and delay adjudication.
  • Name and date mismatches between passport, prior USCIS filings, and the application that complicate identity verification and can lead to administrative holds.
  • Submitting the wrong form or incorrect fee amount, which frequently results in rejection and need to refile, increasing time and costs.
  • Traveling internationally after filing without advance permission when required, potentially disrupting adjudication and affecting reentry eligibility.

eSignature vendor comparison for completing extension forms

Compare common eSignature plan characteristics relevant to immigration application workflows, such as starting price, free trial availability, bulk send, audit trail, HIPAA support, and envelope caps.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial, no credit card Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Real-world examples of digital filing and signature

These customer stories illustrate practical benefits and how organizations handled complex signing workflows for legal and operational needs.

Optica Ventures LLC

The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers.

  • Ease of use was immediate.
  • The team streamlined remote signature collection, reduced back-and-forth, and improved customer turnaround without requiring in-person meetings.

Xerox

airSlate SignNow provides us with the flexibility needed to get the right signatures on the right documents, in the right formats, based on our integration with NetSuite.

  • Integration reduced manual steps.
  • Xerox automated document routing into NetSuite workflows, improving compliance and reducing manual reconciliation time for legal paperwork.

Frequently asked questions and troubleshooting

Answers to common questions about filing an extension application, electronic signatures, and handling follow-up requests from USCIS.


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