B-2 Visa, re-entry (with existing ESTA)
I am German, currently in the US with a B-2 visa (multiple-entry) for volunteering. The visa issued by the Embassy expires December 24th, 2015 (June 29th, 2015 - December 24th, 2015). When I entered the US end of July 2015, I got the stamp, saying admitted until January 26th, 2016.
For a family emergency I had to go back home for a couple of weeks. I re-entered the US on October 22nd, 2015 and the new stamp says admitted until April 21, 2016, as says my I-94.
So, if I don't leave the US, I can stay until April 21, 2016 without having an overstay, correct?
I have to visit my family for Christmas and would like to come back in January 2016, would this be possible?
What is the relevant date, the one on the issued visa or the one in the recent I-94?
Or should I leave and come back before December 24th, 2015?
I already have an existing ESTA which I used for entering the US in 2014. If I could not re-enter the US with my B-2 visa after December 24th, could I enter the US with my approved ESTA?
Is all this somehow affected by the fact that I take part in the green card lottery?
I just want to make sure, that everything is legal. As much as I like it here, I only want to stay here if this is approved.
Best Answer
So, if I don't leave the US, I can stay until april 21, 2016 without having an overstay, correct?
Yes. The valid dates of your visa (up to December 24th, 2015) is the date up to which you can enter the US. Upon entry, your stamp will tell you the date that you are to leave by.
What is, if I leave the US. I have to visit my family for Christmas and like to come back in January 2016, would this be possible?
Not with your current visa, since it expires in December.
Another question: I already have an existing ESTA which I used for entering the US in 2014. Saying, I could not re-enter the US with my B2 visa after december 24th, could I enter the US with my approved ESTA?
Yes, your ESTA remains valid after your visa expires (as long as your passport also remains valid).
Is all this somehow affected by the fact, that I take part in the greencard lottery?
No. You may enter the greencard lottery at any time, even if you hold other visas or are actually in the US.
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Can I apply for a B2 visa if I have an ESTA?
Even if you have a valid ESTA, if you apply for a visa and the application is denied, this is a changed circumstance that requires you to reapply for ESTA and the new ESTA application will likely be denied now that you have a B visa denial on record.Can I re enter US with ESTA?
There is no limit on the number of times you may enter the U.S. under either ESTA of a visa. However, if reentering the U.S. using ESTA soon after staying for nearly 90 days, you can expect to be questioned in detail by the immigration officer about the purpose of your visit.Can I leave and reenter the US on a B2 visa?
B-1 or B-2 visas: During your visit to the U.S., you may visit Canada or Mexico for up to 30 days and re-enter the U.S. as long as you re-enter within the period noted on the Form I - 94 which you received when you first entered.How many times can you enter the US on a B1 B2 visa in a year?
The B visa is a multiple entry visa, which means you can use it to enter the United States more than once. There is no limit on the number of times you can enter the U.S. on your B visa, as long as you keep the information we discuss below in mind.The TRUTH about adjusting status after coming to USA with ESTA or tourist visa - Don’t buy the hype!
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