Minimum time out of US for multiple entry visa?

[dietchess]

Dear Forum,
I am looking for some clarification. Currently, the mom (Chinese citizen) of my wife is visiting on a multiple entry visitor visa that expires in 12/2006. Her current stay expires on March 12th 2006. Is there a minimum time away from the US before she can come back for her second trip or would a weekend trip to Canada suffice?

I would appreciate any advice on this issue.

Thanks.

[VisaChief001]

No minimum time rule. As long as you didn't overstay beyond I-94 expiry date and you have a valid visa you can come back anytime. Exit to Canada will not be treated as an exit to your origin.

[sonujan]

Hi!

I have heard of trips to Canada being issued new I94 as well as not issuing a new I94. So if a new I 94 is not issued then her expiry date would still continue to be the old one.

[Kevlar]

I read somewhere (Unconfirmed, I dont have the source with me, but its worth checking up), that trips to Canada and Mexico are made on the same I-94 as that which you entered the United States with, provided they are trips of less than 30 days. So yoiu would not be issued an I-94 anew.

Again, this is not confirmed, so it would be in your best interests to check up on it.

I may add, that it used to be quite easy to leave for a hort time, and then return. However, post 9/11, it has become policy for the Immigration officers to ensure that you dont spend more time in the United States than in your home country. This applies to VWP as well as Visa holders.

[dietchess]

Thank you for all the input so far. I am gathering from the responses that a short term trip to Canada would not get my wife's mother a new I-94 but she may have to either return to China or spend an extended time in Canada before being able to come back to the US and receiving a new I-94.