Embassy of the United States Tegucigalpa, Honduras

The Consular Section is responsible for issuing non-immigrant visas for travel to the United States. However, it is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and not the Consular Section, which has authority to grant/deny entry, and to decide upon the length of stay permitted. At the port of entry to the U.S., a DHS official must authorize the traveler's entry. At that time, Form I-94 (Record of Arrival-Departure) is stamped with a date for how long the visit is authorized.

To extend a visit beyond the date authorized on Form I-94, the traveler must contact the DHS to request form I-539 (Application to Extend Status). The decision to authorize or deny that extension can only be made by the DHS.