How long should I stay in the US?

How long should I stay in the US? - The Straits of Mackinac Under the Mackinac Bridge

I need help on my situation. I applied for a visitor visa to the US. When I filled in my application, I requested a month and I was given a 2-year multiple entry visa.

I know that, at the port of entry, it's the immigration officer that determines one's stay. I now want to stay for 4 months, if the officer gives me 6 months when I enter. I don't plan to overstay and ruin my future travel chances.

What should I do to not ruin my chances, but still stay for 4 months? Can I book a return for one month then, later, extend it to 4 months?

If I stay for 4 months, won't they think I am not truthful the next time I apply for a visa?



Best Answer

My advice is to stick to what you originally requested in your application for your first visit. After that for subsequent visits on the same visa you can stay till the duration given at the airport.

In November 1998, I applied for a US visa (for my second visit) requesting to stay for three weeks (maybe six, I have forgotten). I was issued a one year multiple entry visa. I came and was given six months at the airport. I spent five months three weeks and left, thinking I had beaten the system.

In September of 1999, when that visa was a few days from expiring I applied for an automatic renewal under the Interview Waiver Program. To my consternation I was invited for an interview. I think I was only asked three questions, one of which was how long I stayed on my previous visit and promptly denied.




Pictures about "How long should I stay in the US?"

How long should I stay in the US? - Crop young brunette with tattooed arms and legs with long horned animal skull sitting near wooden wall with US flag
How long should I stay in the US? - Black and White Bird on Water
How long should I stay in the US? - St. Marys Lighthouse



What happens if I stay in USA longer than 6 months?

If you overstay by one year or more, after you depart the U.S., you will be barred from reentering the U.S. for ten years. This is because unlawful presence is one of the many U.S. grounds of inadmissibility, with built-in penalties.

How long foreigner can stay in USA?

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.

How can I stay in America for 6 months?

The only way to stay in the US for more than 90 days is to obtain a B1/B2 visa, which will allow you to stay up to 6 months. However in general the US is relatively strict regarding granting B1/B2 visas to people who are otherwise eligible to use the Visa Waiver Program (which allows for stays up to 90 days).

What happens if I stay longer than 180 days in USA?

If you have more than 180 days of unlawful presence, meaning you overstayed your visa by 181 days or more, you will be barred from returning to the United States for a certain amount of time. If you were unlawfully present for between 180 and 365 days, you will be barred from entering the United States for three years.



4 Main Ways to Stay in the United States




Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Christopher Delcamp, ArtHouse Studio, Mikhail Nilov, Ray Bilcliff