Can I get a Visa Waiver after spending 6 months in USA with B-2 Visa?
I was wondering if it would be possible to arrange a longer stay (I have some travel plans that would take longer to complete: Appalachian trail, route 66, etc.) by first applying for B-2 visa to stay for 6 months, then briefly leaving US to e.g. Mexico or Canada and then applying for the Visa Waiver and returning for 90 more days?
So I was wondering if it's technically possible, and whether the authorities may question the situation and interview me? I'm an EU citizen. Thanks!
Best Answer
Technically you should not be admitted on the VWP if you have a valid B visa. And there's no reason why you should want to be: you could just as well spend six months in the USA on a B visa, then briefly leave to the US or Canada, and then be readmitted for six months on your B visa.
In fact, you can ask for up to one year at your initial admission. I suspect that it would be difficult in practice, but it is possible in theory.
You should also bear in mind that if you spend more than 183 days in the US, you're likely to trigger the substantial presence test, making you a resident alien under US tax law. You would then be liable under US law to report your worldwide income and figure your US income tax liability accordingly.
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Can I come back to the US after staying for 6 months?
Maximum Period of Authorized Stay Therefore, a person who stays for six months and, instead of applying to extend their visit inside the U.S. if they are a visa holder or a Canadian, departs and attempts to return to the U.S. in less than six months from the departure date, will be barred from re-entry for six months.How can I extend my stay for another 6 months on a B1 B2 visa?
If you want to extend your stay in the United States, you must file a request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status before your authorized stay expires.Can B2 visa stay more than 6 months?
B1 and B2 visas are usually issued for a term of 10 years. Each visit may last up to six months, although some categories of visitors may apply to extend their visit for an additional 6 months.How long can visitors stay in the United States with a B1 B2 visa?
B1 and B2 visa holders are allowed to stay in the US for up to 6 months at a time. Each visa application will be assessed on its own merit, and the adjudicating officer may grant a stay of less than 6 months \u2013 this is the maximum period for an initial stay under the B classification.USA B1-B2 Visa || USA 10 Year Multiple Entry Visa || How To Apply || Who is Eligible to Apply ||2022
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