What if I file on time but USCIS doesn’t make a decision
before my I-94 expires?
If we receive your application before your status expires, and
if you have not violated the terms of your status, and you meet
the basic eligibility requirements, then you may continue your
previously approved activities in the U.S., including previously
authorized work, for a period of up to 240 days, or until we make
a decision on your application or until the reason for your requested
extension has been accomplished – whichever comes first.
Further, once your original nonimmigrant status expires, even though
you generally will be allowed to remain in the U.S. while your extension
of stay application is pending. You will not be deemed to be in
any nonimmigrant status until such time as we may approve your
extension of stay.
If your application for extension is denied after your previously
approved stay has already expired and while you are still in the
U.S., you will be considered to have been “out of status” as of the
date your period of stay expired, and will be required to cease
employment (if such employment was authorized) and depart from
the U.S. immediately upon denial of your application. In addition,
any nonimmigrant visa in your passport granted in connection with
such classification becomes void at the end of the period of authorized
stay. Once your visa is void, you will be required to submit any
new visa application at a U.S. consulate in your home country (not a
third country, except in rare instances as determined by the
State Department).
source: http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/C1eng.pdf
before my I-94 expires?
If we receive your application before your status expires, and
if you have not violated the terms of your status, and you meet
the basic eligibility requirements, then you may continue your
previously approved activities in the U.S., including previously
authorized work, for a period of up to 240 days, or until we make
a decision on your application or until the reason for your requested
extension has been accomplished – whichever comes first.
Further, once your original nonimmigrant status expires, even though
you generally will be allowed to remain in the U.S. while your extension
of stay application is pending. You will not be deemed to be in
any nonimmigrant status until such time as we may approve your
extension of stay.
If your application for extension is denied after your previously
approved stay has already expired and while you are still in the
U.S., you will be considered to have been “out of status” as of the
date your period of stay expired, and will be required to cease
employment (if such employment was authorized) and depart from
the U.S. immediately upon denial of your application. In addition,
any nonimmigrant visa in your passport granted in connection with
such classification becomes void at the end of the period of authorized
stay. Once your visa is void, you will be required to submit any
new visa application at a U.S. consulate in your home country (not a
third country, except in rare instances as determined by the
State Department).
source: http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/C1eng.pdf
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