i539 Question
 

Dear All

I hope someone can help me out here.

I was working full-time on an L-1 Visa, but lost my job mid April 2002. My L-1 Visa expired April 27th 2002.

I applied for a change of status via i539 to tourist B-2, two days after losing my job, and recieved a notification of receipt from Vermont a week later saying a decision would be made between 120-180 days. It is now August 8 and still no response.

I requested a B-2 extension until Aug 27th while I job hunted.

My question is, can I stay in the US as a tourist legally until I receive notification from INS or should I leave on Aug 27 as requested.

If no, do you think its ok to leave the US on Aug 28th as the flight price is $200 cheaper than the 27th, or would I be 'blacklisted' for outstaying my welcome even by one day?

Thanks for any help!

Re: i539 Question
 

sjc123 wrote:


    > I hope someone can help me out here.
    > I was working full-time on an L-1 Visa, but lost my job mid April 2002. My L-1 Visa
    > expired April 27th 2002.
    > I applied for a change of status via i539 to tourist B-2, two days after losing my
    > job, and recieved a notification of receipt from Vermont a week later saying a
    > decision would be made between 120-180 days. It is now August 8 and still no
    > response.
    > I requested a B-2 extension until Aug 27th while I job hunted.
    > My question is, can I stay in the US as a tourist legally until I receive
    > notification from INS or should I leave on Aug 27 as requested.


You should either leave on August 27, or submit another I-539 asking for an
extension beyond August 27, enclosing the receipt notice and full copy of the
previous I-539 package.


    > If no, do you think its ok to leave the US on Aug 28th as the flight price is $200
    > cheaper than the 27th, or would I be 'blacklisted' for outstaying my welcome even
    > by one day?


In this climate, it would not be worth it to me to overstay. One day's overstay is
pretty much as bad as up to 6 months overstay.