Applied for and was issued (B1/B2) Visa. Can i enter the U.S 2weeks before conference

[menbinu]

Hi,

Got issued a 2-year visa to attend a 5-day conference. Due to national holidays, there was a delay in getting the passport delivered, this resulted in me unable to attend the conference and thus a refund. Now, the next conference (30-days after the previous one) has been booked which i'm scheduled to attend. CAN I ENTER THE U.S 10-14 days before the conference start date? Or is 1 week ideal? I prefer being around early than just a night or two to conference date.

Thanks for your anticipated response.

[Bastad]

Hi,

Got issued a 2-year visa to attend a 5-day conference. Due to national holidays, there was a delay in getting the passport delivered, this resulted in me unable to attend the conference and thus a refund. Now, the next conference (30-days after the previous one) has been booked which i'm scheduled to attend. CAN I ENTER THE U.S 10-14 days before the conference start date? Or is 1 week ideal? I prefer being around early than just a night or two to conference date.

Thanks for your anticipated response.

B1/B2 visa is usually granted for 10 years. A two year B1/B2 is only granted at the discretion of the consular officer, when the consular officer "doesn't feel 100% right" about an application.

Your statements are confusing. Conferences are rarely scheduled one after the other, 30 days between them. Very rarely, if ever. That by itself will raise questions at POE - so you better have good answers ready.

Besides that, arriving early isn't unheard of - people may want to do some tourism/sightseeing either before or after the conference. Make sure you can show sufficient funds and clear travel plans when you arrive - proof of hotel reservations for the whole stay, proof of funds available to pay for your stay, return ticket.

Based on your name, you're probably from India - CBP agents are specially suspicious of indian citizens, as they always assume they plan to stay as illegal immigrants, or they come to work to the US (which is not allowed while on B1/B2 status). And the whole story about the "rescheduled conference" makes it double suspicious.