Open Ticket or book a date or return

[dolly_jiten]

Hi,

Another quick question, is it ok to get a open ticket (for return date) from India when coming here the first time on visitor's visa or it is preferable to get a booked return ticket? This is for determination of stay granted at the Port of Entry.

Thanks

[peace]

It is better to have a return ticket, so the officer thinks that you do actually plan to return.
Book it for the end of 5th month from start of visit, when I think she should return.

One shoud not plan a full 6 month stay because if
one gets sick or due to some emergency one is not able to leave at the end of 6 months and ends up staying beyond the date on I94 , visa will automatically be void by sec 222g and one won't be able to enter again.

[dolly_jiten]

Thank you Peace for your advise.

The problem is if I book a return date and my mom is not able to stay until her return I will have to pay extra to get the date changed. The probability is that she may want to go earlier than 5 months.

Also, since the stay is only decided at the airport and if she gets only 3 months stay then also i will have to pay extra to get the date changed (and it costs abt $100 to do that).

Please advise if they ask her why has she taken a open ticket. Can she say that since her stay is decided at the airport and to avoid paying extra for changing dates, she has not booked the return date yet and will do so once her stay period is given to her i.e. 3 or 6 months?

[peace]

As far as I know , most airlines from INdia require you to book a closed ticket.
Most charge you for a change of date but some do not charge for a first change.

Tip;
American airlines is currently not charging for a first change of date, so you may go for that. It is non stop 14.5 hrs to chicago if she is flying from Delhi
which is good for senior people.
If you cannot get AA or another airline that does not charge for a first change, it is advisable to live with paying $ 100. everyone does.

Thank you Peace for your advise.

The problem is if I book a return date and my mom is not able to stay until her return I will have to pay extra to get the date changed. The probability is that she may want to go earlier than 5 months.

Also, since the stay is only decided at the airport and if she gets only 3 months stay then also i will have to pay extra to get the date changed (and it costs abt $100 to do that).

Please advise if they ask her why has she taken a open ticket. Can she say that since her stay is decided at the airport and to avoid paying extra for changing dates, she has not booked the return date yet and will do so once her stay period is given to her i.e. 3 or 6 months?