Parents VISA Rejected, Chennai Consulate

[panasonic]

Hello all,

My Parents VISA was rejected in Chennai cosulate on 31st Jan 2006.

Background:

They were going to visit us 2nd time. The last visit was in 2004.

They were granted 1yr VISA during their last visit from July 2003 to July 2004. My Parents came to US for the first time, on 16th April 2004 which was well before their VISA expiration date.

Their I-94 was valid for 6 months from their date of entry that is till 16th Sept 2004. They went back to India on 1st Sept 2004, before thier I-94 expired.

The reason for rejection:

The lady told my parents that, she was rejecting their VISA because they stayed in USA till Sept 2004 while they should have returned before July 2004 (visa expiration date)


My Question:

As far as the information we gathered during their visit, we were told that they could stay as long as their I-94 was valid (if they entered US before their VISA expired).

Is my information wrong?
Or is there any change in immigration policy?

I would truly appreciate if someone could shed some light on this issue.

Thank you,
Panasonic

[sonujan]

Hi!

Thats what I had heard of tooo. ALWAYS in such cases you need to keep a copy of the I-94 to prove that you did not over stay (than what was granted). I guess your parents should have tried to explain that fact.

[panasonic]

Thank you for your reply

The lady at the counter had the information that my parents had I-94 till Sept 16th, but still she said that we should have extended/renewed VISA as it expired in July itself.

Is it true that one cannot stay in US even with a valid I-94 if his/her VISA expires while they are here?

This is the reason the officer gave to my parents when they tried to explain that they didn't overstay.

Thank you,
Panasonic

[VisaChief001]

Usually the CO wont tell the reason for rejection. The reason for the rejection is on your visa denial notice. What is it says?