Should we apply for Visa extension now?

[anagoree]

Hi,

My parent's US visa is expiring in Mar-22. I understand it is taking a very long time to get an appointment for a Visa renewal/extension.
Will there be any impact on them entering the US before Mar-22 if their renewal/extension application is pending at the time of entering?
Should they apply for a US visa extension/renewal now? or wait and apply after entering in US?

[flyingron]

They can reply for a renewal now. It will not have any effect on the existing visa.

[rkk09]

Hi Member,
Will there be any impact on them entering the US before Mar-22 if their renewal/extension application is pending at the time of entering?
Answer: I would say YES. At the time of renewal of visa, your passport will be at consulate/ embassy place.. How you can travel without that. And also, you will have only very less time of visa validity.. So it is better to get renewal approval then plan for travel. I hope your parents are holding Visitors visa.

Should they apply for a US visa extension/renewal now? or wait and apply after entering in US?
Answer: Of course they can start processing visa extension for now. If this is visitors visa, then they may eligible for Interview waiver. Once you get visa extension approval then travel to the USA.. Please note, visa can not be renewed and issued when you are in the USA.

Thanks

[anagoree]

Thank you flyingron and rkk09 for your response.
I am of the understanding that a Valid Visa date is needed to enter the US. Once a person is in the US, one can stay up to the validity of I94 issued at the port of entry. It can be date post visa validity date.
I noticed below on the CGI website makes me believe the appointment will be available post-Oct 22.
Please share if anybody has received the appointment date for B1/B2 visa in the next couple of months.

Please Note:
Appointment slots in October 2022 and later are just place holder appointments that will enable you to submit an expedited appointment request.

Thank you!

[anagoree]

BTW, the Mumbai consulate appointment wait time on the travel.state.gov website shows "Emergency Appointments Only" for all non-immigrant visa categories.

Visitor Visa	Emergency Appointments Only
Student/Exchange Visitor Visas	Emergency Appointments Only
All Other Nonimmigrant Visas	Emergency Appointments Only