Extending or maintaining your visa
Maintaining status requires that you maintain current visa documents that verify your status. You also must follow the regulations that pertain to your visa classification and pursue the purpose for which you have come to the U.S.
All visa types require that you maintain a valid passport and an I-94 card indicating your status and length of stay granted to remain in the U.S. Individuals in J-1 status must also maintain an unexpired Form DS-2019.
The Illegal Immigration Reform and Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA) imposes serious consequences to any non-immigrant who is, or who becomes, unlawfully present in the United States. It is critically important that you keep valid immigration status during your stay in the U.S.
This section of our website gives you basic information about maintaining your visa status. After the list below, please review the sections that pertain to your status.
Visa types
Maintaining other types of visas and green cards
In addition to J-1 and H-1B visas, there are several other types of visas. It is your responsibility to maintain your visa status, and it is very important that you do so.
Below is a list of overview information immediately followed by more comprehensive details for each visa type.
