Visitor Visa extension

[Nikethana]

My parent's 10 yrs visitor visa will expires in Feb 2014, and they have travelled 4 times to US(inclusive of this trip). First three trip were for a period of 4 months. They came here to visit me on Aug 29th 2012 and they are supposed to leave the country on Feb 29 2013. I unfortunately ended up with a surgery recently and I would like them to stay a little longer to help me out. This is the first time we are applying for a extension . Would it be OK for us to apply extension. They will probably apply for new visa in Jan as their 10 yrs visa is going to expire. Will they encounter any problem doing so. They both were employed when they initially got their 10 yrs visa but they both have now retired. Please advice.

[raghvi]

My parent's 10 yrs visitor visa will expires in Feb 2014, and they have travelled 4 times to US(inclusive of this trip). First three trip were for a period of 4 months. They came here to visit me on Aug 29th 2012 and they are supposed to leave the country on Feb 29 2013. I unfortunately ended up with a surgery recently and I would like them to stay a little longer to help me out. This is the first time we are applying for a extension . Would it be OK for us to apply extension. They will probably apply for new visa in Jan as their 10 yrs visa is going to expire. Will they encounter any problem doing so. They both were employed when they initially got their 10 yrs visa but they both have now retired. Please advice.

This seems a decent enough reason to request for an extension. When they go for visa renewal the officer may question on the extended stay and they can provide evidence of your surgery and hospital documents to substantiate their extension request along with extension request approval (if it comes). Still the officer might want to see substantial ties to home country to decide on the new B2.

This is my opinion not legal advice.

[Nikethana]

This seems a decent enough reason to request for an extension. When they go for visa renewal the officer may question on the extended stay and they can provide evidence of your surgery and hospital documents to substantiate their extension request along with extension request approval (if it comes). Still the officer might want to see substantial ties to home country to decide on the new B2.

This is my opinion not legal advice.

Thank you so much for those nice words. I feel little more confident doing so.

[kabkaba]

Actually I don't think this is an acceptable reason. By the same logic why childcare support for pregnant relatives is not acceptable.

Secondly, when does their I-94 expire? It is I-94 extension (extension of status) that they need and not 'Visa extension'. Looking at the recent trend, getting a Visa for the second time becomes difficult for those who file extension of status, so I will advise you to not do it.

[raghvi]

Actually I don't think this is an acceptable reason. By the same logic why childcare support for pregnant relatives is not acceptable.

Secondly, when does their I-94 expire? It is I-94 extension (extension of status) that they need and not 'Visa extension'. Looking at the recent trend, getting a Visa for the second time becomes difficult for those who file extension of status, so I will advise you to not do it.

Well I personally believe childcare and child suport/preganancy can very much be a very planned activity, where in the parents and new parents know much ahead what they are getting into. Surgery, or accidents is not something one plans for. But then that is my personal opinion and no way in the guidelines to Consulates and Visa Officers.

But I would agree with you that off late visitors be it on tourism or business who have had extended stays in US are facing difficulties getting new visas.

This is my opinion not legal advice.