My B2 visa was stamped for six months even though I only stayed a few weeks. What if I want to return for a short visit after those six months end?
So a while back ago I got a b2 visa to travel the US, stayed for around six months, had a great time and made plenty of friends. This is a 10 yr visa so now I have to use it any time when entering the US. So fast forward to now and my travels have taken me to Canada on a 2 yr IEC visa, which is awesome. However I spent a few weeks in the US to visit friends before I entered, and the border officer stamped my passport with another six months, expiring March 2017, even though I explained I would only be there for a few weeks.
Obviously I won't be spending any long term stays in the US now, but should I want to nip across the border to visit friends, how will this affect me in the case of:
A) returning before March 2017, so when my visa is still valid. I believe it's multiple entry? (Unlikely this will happen but you never know)
B) returning after the six months have expired, say April 17. Will this be an issue as technically my visa will have only just "expired" even though I was only in the country for a few weeks in Sept?
C) Does residing in Canada count as leaving the country in visa terms? I know it doesn't on an ESTA, but I'm presuming the customs officer would have told me if this was an issue as he knew of my travel plans.
Best Answer
The stamp you get saying how much time you have is valid only for that visit. If you leave the US, that stamp no longer applies. Since you have a multiple entry visa, you will get a new stamp every time you enter the US.
If you are genuinely living in Canada, and are visiting the US using your B2 for short visits, then that will likely be perfectly acceptable to the US immigration officer. They'll probably just stamp you in for another six months every time you enter, even if you have only planned a short visit.
Pictures about "My B2 visa was stamped for six months even though I only stayed a few weeks. What if I want to return for a short visit after those six months end?"
When can I return to the US after 6 months stay?
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.Can I stay for 6 months on B2 visa?
How long can I stay in the U.S. on the B-1 / B-2 visa? 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 long is a B2 tourist visa valid for?
Visa validity The holder of a B-2 visa can stay for a maximum of 180 days per entry (several times consecutively or at a time). These conditions apply to all visits until the visa has expired. After that the person must reapply for the visa at their U.S. consulate.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.How I stayed more than 6 months on a visitor visa my visa extension story !
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