Questions About Overstays

What should I do if I overstayed on a previous visit to the United States?

You should apply for a visa.

What if I overstayed because I was ill or an emergency kept me from departing on time?

If you return to the United States without a visa you may be asked additional questions or be denied admission.  For this reason we recommend that you apply for a visa.  If you do, be sure to take to the interview documentation of the reason for your unintended overstay.  If you choose to travel to the United States without a visa you should be prepared to thoroughly document the reasons for your overstay.  Otherwise, there is serious risk that you will be denied entry by the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Control (CBP).  CBP has final authority to grant or deny admission to all visitors to the U.S.

What if I want to stay in the United States longer than the time CBP authorizes?

You may not extend your stay in the United States if you entered under the Visa Waiver Program.  If you entered using a visa, however, and want to extend your stay, you must request permission from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before your authorized stay expires.  For detailed information about how to file for an extension of stay, see the USCIS web site at http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis or click on the following link: How do I extend my stay?