A short overstay less than 180 days usually causes fewer problems than a long overstay more than 180 days or 1 year.

 If you marry a U.S. citizen, you can often adjust your status inside the U.S., even if you overstayed.

If you are placed in deportation proceedings, you might be able to apply for cancellation of removal if you meet strict requirements like 10+ years living in the U.S., good moral character, hardship to a U.S. citizen family member.

 Victims of domestic violence VAWA, human trafficking T visa, or other crimes U visa may be able to stay and fix their status even after an overstay.