Can I stay more than 1 year if my B2 visa extension application (I-539) is still in review?

The immigration rules allow a person with a pending application to remain in the US until the adjudication. That being said, if USCIS approves an extension of stay, it will only give the period of time requested. As such, if the applicant receives the approval after the requested time has passed, he or she immediately becomes illegal as there is no legal authority to stay past an authorized date. An applicant who wishes to remain in the US past the date requested on an extension application should file another timely request for extension. If not timely, an applicant can file a late extension request giving the reasons for the delay in filing. Due to the limitations of the Lawyers.com Forums, Alan Lee, Esq.'s (the "Firm") participation in responding to questions posted herein does not constitute legal advice, nor legal representation of the person or entity posting a question. No Attorney/Client relationship is or shall be construed to be created hereby. The information provided herein by the Firm is general, and requires that the poster obtain specific legal advice from an attorney. The poster shall not rely upon the information provided herein as legal advice nor as the basis for making any decisions of legal consequence.