A nonimmigrant may request and be granted an extension of stay in the United States by the USCIS.
To extend the stay as a nonimmigrant worker in the US, one must file form I-539 for oneself and all the dependents, whereas their employer (if they sponsor the nonimmigrant visa) must file Form I-129.
Form I-539 is submitted before the current authorized stay expires as it bridges the gap that may arise between the expiration of current status and validity of future status.
I-539 is an application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.
The processing of the I-539 application generally ranges from a few weeks to over a year. You can check the processing time on the official website of USCIS.
What happens if you leave before your extension is approved?
Generally, suppose the applicant is abroad while the application is pending. In that case, the USCIS deems the application as abandoned, and the application will be rejected.
Your doubts related to the I-539 application must be resolved. However, if you still have queries or want to discuss your immigration case, make sure to message us. Immigration Attorneys at Sethi and Mazaheri law firm do their best to help as many people as possible in their travel to the US.