B2 visa, what is the general duration of stay in USA ?

[Sundeesh Srikantam]

Sister and bro in law working in the USA, both on h1b visas.

Myself, dad and mom received 10years multiple visit B2 USA visa.


We have heard two versions about duration of stay in USA.

1) We can stay in the USA for 6months and 3months on 1st and 2nd trip respectively, and then onwards 1month for each trip.
2) We can stay 6months every year.

Which one of the above is correct ? If 1st version is correct, then can we rearrange the duration of our trips, Like 1month on 1st trip and 3/6months on 2nd trip ?
What can be said as a safe gap between each trip ?
Can we make frequent/longer visits, if there is genuine reason related to the family ?


I know things like this differ from case to case, I just want to know the generally given duration(s).



The above requested info is not available on ustraveldocs.com, so kindly advise.
Thank you in advance.

[peace999]

both 1 and 2 are myths.

generally speaking,if one stays 6 months one should spend the same amount of time at home before returning.
Special occasions like emergencies, events, one can come sooner with proof.
and then they do not always give you 6 months on every visit. it is up to them , they can give short stays as well.
Also depends on your age. Retired parents spending 6 months every time is fine but a young person spending 6 months and then
again returning in a few m o nths asking for 6 months, they will interrogate you .

[Sundeesh Srikantam]

both 1 and 2 are myths.

generally speaking,if one stays 6 months one should spend the same amount of time at home before returning.
Special occasions like emergencies, events, one can come sooner with proof.
and then they do not always give you 6 months on every visit. it is up to them , they can give short stays as well.
Also depends on your age. Retired parents spending 6 months every time is fine but a young person spending 6 months and then
again returning in a few m o nths asking for 6 months, they will interrogate you .

Can anyone confirm this ?

[raghvi]

Can anyone confirm this ?

You would not get an official confirmation or denial of this. The past experiences and forum postings re iterate this. Visitor visa usage should appear as if one is visiting the US not staying in the US for extended period of time.

Below is the latest example of parents facing unnecessary hassles at the POE due to this:

http://www.immihelp.com/forum/showthread.php/123042-Parents-given-only-3-months-visa-anything-we-can-do

This is my opinion not legal advice.

[peace999]

recently there have been posts of parents being interrogated when they spent 5-6 months on last visit and returned in 6 months.