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.

Here are five simple steps you can take if you’ve overstayed your visa:

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) if you qualify.

4. Cooperate With Immigration Officers

If U.S. immigration contacts you, don’t hide or run.

• Answer their questions politely
  
• Ask your lawyer to help you respond
  
• You may be able to apply for a process called cancellation of removal, which can stop deportation
  

5. Ask for Protection If It’s Not Safe to Go Home

If it’s dangerous for you to return to your country (because of war, violence, or threats), you can ask the U.S. government for protection like:

• Asylum
  
• Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
  
• DACA (for certain young people)
  

These programs can help you stay in the U.S. legally and safely.