Typically, Visa Waiver Program (VWP) entrants are not eligible to extend their stay or alter their status. However, according to existing regulations, if an emergency situation prevents the departure of a VWP entrant, USCIS may, at its discretion, grant up to 30 days to facilitate satisfactory departure (refer to 8 CFR 217.3(a)). For VWP entrants previously granted satisfactory departure but unable to leave within this 30-day period due to emergency-related issues, USCIS has the authority to temporarily provide additional 30-day periods of satisfactory departure. To request satisfactory departure from USCIS, a VWP entrant should contact the USCIS Contact Center.
Immigration Paths
Family-Based
Eligibility for immigration benefits for relatives (or prospective relatives) is determined by your status. To assist an eligible family member in immigrating, you must be a U.S. citizen, Green Card holder, a principal refugee admitted within the past 2 years, or a principal asylee granted asylum within the past 2 years. Additional information is available on our Family page.
Employment-Based
Many noncitizens aspire to work in the United States. Our website offers a summary of employment-based nonimmigrant and immigrant visa classifications, along with other categories of noncitizens eligible for employment authorization. Each classification includes a link to more detailed information about its requirements. Find out more on our Working in the United States page.
Humanitarian
USCIS administers various humanitarian programs and protections to aid individuals in need of shelter or assistance due to disasters, oppression, emergency medical issues, and other urgent circumstances. Learn more on our Humanitarian page.
Explore your options regarding tasks or immigration paths using our Explore My Options tool.
Statelessness
On August 1, 2023, USCIS released policy manual guidance applicable to stateless noncitizens in the United States interested in filing, or who have already filed, an immigration application, petition, or request with USCIS.
A stateless person is typically not considered a national by any state under its laws. If you want USCIS to consider your potential statelessness when evaluating your immigration application, petition, or request, find further information on our Statelessness page.
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