回复：Ergent: B2 extension

(1) Don't understand your question very well.
a. I guess you want to learn how long the application will be approved. Basically it takes three to four months. I received approval notice in around 4 months after applying the extension for my mother-in-law. Just as for so-called response, a receipt with document no. on it will be mailed to you or your parents in around 10 days. Once getting the receipt or knowing the document number, your parents can stay in the US legally untill they receive the final notice no matter whether they get appoved or denied. Note: youe may receive some notice(s) from BCIS prior to final decision to request more materials. You can also refer to the answer to question (2).
b. BCIS suggests filing at least 45 days prior to the expiration. I applied the extension for my mother-in-law 46 days prior to the expiration. She got approved last month.

(2) Still don't understand your question quite well. If filing the extension, you should sumbit their original I-94 cards together with the application materials. That means no I-94 anymore. You will receive a receipt with a document number issued by BCIS in one to two weeks. This is the only proof your parents will own in future 3-4 months. They can even leave the US by this receipt provided they have not received approval notice and have informed the BCIS before departure (not necessary). Basically, following materials are needed:
a. A letter to BCIS (explain the reason to file the extension etc.)
b. Original I-94
c. Visa copy
d. Your financial affidavit
e. Notarial certificate of the relationship with your parents
f. Notarized Fang Cha Zhen of your parents ( it is very important although we didn't submit this).
g. other

(3) No idea. Seems only $140 (I remember my friend ever filed B2 extension for his parents at $40. Not quite sure).

(4) It is better if the returning date is showed on the one-way ticket. It doesn't matter if your parents hold round-trip tickets although you can show the proof of new confirmation returning date. My mother-in-law just showed the round-trip ticket with old returning date on it.

BTW, you can search google by keywords like "B2 visa extension application" or just wenxuecity by chinese charcters (you can copy from some postings instead of typing).

Any questions, you can also email me at [e-mail].

Good luck.