Business Travel to US for 5 months
I do have a business travel to the US that will last for 5 months. This includes technical trainings, knowledge transfers, project planning and client meetings. Im kinda worried since this initial trip of mine is too long. I do have return ticket and a hotel booked for 5 months.
- What do you think will be the possible questions by immigration officers to me?
- And what supporting documents from my company should I have?
- Any tips will also be a great help.
Best Answer
Just updating this now, I am now in US for about a month having my trainings. Here's what happened during the immigration officer in Point of Entry:
He asked me my purpose of visiting US, and how long I will stay. I said 5 months, he was quite skeptic because of the long duration of training, he asked for supporting documents like invitation letter and list of trainings I will be attending into and why will it take that long. I told him that the purpose of the training is actually a knowledge transfer because the project our company got will be developed back in my country and I am the one who leads it. He asked me the what is the nature of our services/projects. And he stamped my i-94 for 6 months.
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Can I stay in USA for 5 months?
The Normal Rule The quick answer to the question of how long a visitor can lawfully stay in the United States for most people is six months. To be more precise, once an admission is determined to be \u201cfair and reasonable,\u201d the default position is that the visitor is granted a six month time period to stay.How long can be a business trip in the US?
Period of Stay/Extension of Stay. Up to 6 months; maximum total amount of time permitted in B-1 status on any one trip is generally 1 year.Can I visit USA for 6 months?
When you enter the U.S., a customs officer will give you authorization to stay in the U.S. for up to six months. If you'd like to stay for longer, you may be able to apply to extend this for up to one year.Can I enter the US for a business trip?
A foreign national traveling to the United States to conduct temporary business needs a visitor visa (B-1) unless qualifying for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. Examples of temporary business include: Attending business meetings or consultations. Attending a business convention or conference.B1 / B2 is Tourist / Visitor Visa NOT Good for Working or Doing Business in USA | Don't Abuse Visa
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Answer 2
I'm going to suggest an answer and hope that someone else will come along with more knowledge.
I've entered the US dozens of times, probably hundreds, on multiple visa types and also on an ESTA many times. Hence, I'm probably considered a small risk and won't get the same type of interview as you. I have had many interrogations though! I also have many colleagues who have related their experiences to me.
If I were you, I would probably request an entry for a shorter period than 5 months. Perhaps 2 or 3 months. My reasoning would be that as a visitor with no prior history, a 5 month entry might be rejected as indicating that the purpose of entry is for work. If I received a 6 month entry stamp, I would then consider changing my flights to leave later.
At immigration, you must do as you have said and talk about training, meetings, knowledge transfer. Do not mention the word "work"!
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