B1/B2 - How long?

[dapups]

I used to live and work in the US on an H-1. I moved to India for a couple of years and my H-1 expired. I have now found a job in the US with an India based company and they are ok with me working there on a B1/B2 and will apply for an H1 in Apr 2008. They also have a registered office in the US and already have one employee in the US office.

While my B1/B2 allows 10 years multiple entry what is the maximum stay allowed in one go? Is it 1 month or 3 months or 6 months? If I tell the immigration officer I need to stay for 5 months will it look fishy?

Also lets say I get a stamp for 6 months. Then can I need to leave in 6 months - is there a minimum advisable period before which re-enter?

[peace]

First of all ,one is not allowed to work on a B1/B2. If you tell the officer while entering on a B1/B2 that you have come to work, he will send you back to India. And if you are caught working in US on a B1/B2 , your visa will be canceled and you will be detained for deportation proceedings.

Allowed stay on a B1/B2 depends on your purpose of visit. YOu will be asked both (purpose and desired length) at entry and your answers will determine
the granted duration. Usually it is 6 months , never more but for very frequent visitors , they can reduce the duration after assessing from your answers.
There is no fixed interval between two visits. But if you stay 6 months on a business visit and reenter after one month requesting another 6 months;
it will definitely create problems.