B1 Visa Validity only for 1 Year

[kumbibhagam]

Hi All,
I attended B1 visa interview this Monday and my visa got approved. I was happy until i came to know that my Visa is valid only for an year. Normally B1 is granted for 10yrs.But in my case only 1 year. My question are:

1. If i don't visit US within the expiry date,will it the Visa Officer question me when i attend the B1 interview next time. Will it be a black mark or give them a reson to reject my fresh visa?
2. Can i expect some kind of Moderation or Leniency from Visa officer while attending interview next time while applying for a fresh B1 visa,as i already have a stamping on my passport?

[peace999]

Usually they do not care if you do not go.
But In your case, there must be a reason why they gave you a 1 year and not a 10 yr visa.
I can't say unless I know the details of your last interview.

Note that under the new rules you can reapply without the interview if you are applying for the same visa in the same region within 4 years after the expiry of the first visa. But they can call you for interview if they suspect anything.

[kumbibhagam]

Thank you for your Prompt Reply sir!!

Actually i had attended B1 interview for the very first time through BEP. My overall professional experience is 1year and 10 months only. Place of my interview was Chennai.

And i had mentioned that iam going to attend Business meetings for duration of 4weeks.
Also thr is annotation in my VISA which says BUSINESS MEETINGS FOR MY COMPANY
Will my visa be valid if i switch the company??

[peace999]

Ok. Annotation means visa is only valid for that previous company.

Do you have a valid reason for not going?

[kumbibhagam]

Actually i am just preparing for worst case scenario....well there are chances that i might go to US within an year! But still,if things doesn't work in my favor.....have to be ready to face tough situation.
So i had posted "If i don't go within an year"

[peace999]

Ok, If you do not use the current visa, the next time you will be applying without the interview.
So you won't have to explain anything. Unless they call you for an interview, then you can say
the real reason why you did not go.

[kumbibhagam]

Alright! Sounds good! Thanks much for your reply!!!

[db69vg]

how long can i stay without having to face too many questions in next interview

Hi

I got visa for 1 year due to "not very clear agenda". I was asked to provide additonal info which I did with an updated agenda/invite letter.
At the time of my visa application, I intended to stay for 2 weeks only. But now, my organisation requires me to stay in the US for work for 5 weeks (or even longer).

I want to know if it wold be okay to stay this long without having to face too many questions or even possible visa denial in next interview.

Also, there is an annotation on my visa stamp that says "clearance received April 25". Visa was issued on April 29. I had appeared for interview on April 9.

Thanks

[peace999]

this can impact your entry to US as well as the next interview. Staying too long is a sensitive issue and also going against what you said at the interview is not good. they will ask you the purpose and duration at port of entry. They have your DS160 in front of them at the airport. So stick with the duration you mentioned
at the interview. EVen though they will give you 3 months of stay , I suggest you do not stay 5 weeks or longer as it will impact your next interview.

[db69vg]

follow-up questions

so, i will be travelling few weeks before, per my business need, than what I mentioned in my DS-160..i hope that is okay?

Also, after reading your reply, I am now planning for a 3-week stay (1 reserve week for business spill)..i hope this wud be okay (now and in future) even though i mentioned 2 weeks in DS-160?

Had I got a 10-year visa, would I still have faced this issue - "possible" questioning in next interview on why i stayed longer than initial intent?

[peace999]

the thing with visitor visa is, it is very officer discretion dependent both at the visa consulate and CBP( port of entry) levels.
and The very fact they gave you a one year visa is they will assess your usage on the next interview, so it is wise to be cautious.

If you had gotten a 10 yr visa, it would not have mattered that much when you went for the visa renewal,
as they would look at your usage for the full 10 years.

one week this way or that way won't matter as you can say you will do some sightseeing as well. I would say 3 weeks total is fine. Get a return ticket for 3 weeks , it is very important.

[norie_wan]

Hi all,

My visa interview done on 15th Jan 2016 and my travel date is on 7th May 2016. My visa is approve but when I received my visa the expired date is on 14th April 2016. My DS-160 form also mention my travel date is on 7th May 2016..So why should I do?