5 Simple Things to Do If You Overstay Your U.S. Visa

If your U.S. visa has expired, don’t panic but also don’t ignore it either. Staying in the U.S. after your visa runs out can lead to problems like being banned from coming back or even being deported. But if you act fast and do the right things, you can avoid these issues. 1. Check How Long You Have Overstayed It’s important to know how long you’ve stayed after your visa expired. If you overstayed for less than 180 days, and you leave the U.S. on your own, you may not get into serious trouble. If you overstayed for more than 180 days, you could be banned from coming back to the U.S. for 3 to 10 years. So, act as soon as you realize your visa is expired. 2. Talk to an Immigration Lawyer The first and smartest thing to do is to talk to a lawyer who knows U.S. immigration law. They can help you: Understand your situation Find legal ways to stay longer Guide you through the paperwork Speak for you in court if needed 3. Apply to Change or Extend Your Visa If you have a good reason to stay—like continuing your studies or getting medical treatment—you can ask to extend your stay or change your visa type. In some cases, you may even be able to apply for permanent residency (a green card)