Visitor visa Validity

[apasupat]

My mom is having the visa appt @ the Chennai american consulate on Sep 13th,2005. But she can travel only in April 2006.

1. If she is granted a 6 month visa, can she travel in April 2006. For how long is the visa valid? Is it always either a 6 month or a multiple entry visa, or is there an inbetween time duration..
If the visa is granted for 6 months, it would expire by April 2006. Is it possible for them to issue the visa for less than 6 months? Just making sure, if granted 6 months visa, we do not unwantedly obtain the visa knowing that it will expire before she starts.

2. By the way how do we request for multiple entry?

3. Should the passport be valid for atleast 6 months while appearing for the interview? Her's expires in Nov 2005...

Any clarifications.

Thanks

[taco]

1,3.... A 3 month validity visa is also issued in certain cases and it could be a 6 month , one year or more. But since her passport is expiring in NOV, you should not even worry about the visa validity issue. Worry about the passport because she will need a new passport which I donot think she can get in 12 days. (passport should be valid for 6 months beyond your date of US entry).Let her apply for a fresh passport asap and take a new appointment for 2006.( not available for 2005)

2.She should not request a multiple entry herself. It is at the discretion of the consular to grant a single or a multiple entry.