Multiple-entry Vistor visa - rentry conditions

[maria123]

Hi,

My parents are visiting us right now, but they plan to go back after 5 months in Feb of 2008. They need to come back around the last week of April for obvious reasons. My concern is - would there be a problem for them on re-entry in April 2008? They have a 10-yr multiple-entry visa, and this is their first trip.
Someone told me that people are allowed a max of 6-months stay in any calendar year. Is this true? Should they be cutting-short their current trip so that they have a better chance in April 2008?
Any info is appreciated. Thanks!

[PraetorianXI]

They should spend at least 6 months out of 12, in their home country... and only apply to enter again after 6 months have passed.

They can not spend more time in any 12 months time in the US than in their home country, that will bring problems and questions at the POE and they may be sent back.

If they want to come back in April 2008, they are better off leaving the first week of January.

[maria123]

Thanks for the prompt reply!
This is really useful information.

We have changed plans and they are going to be getting back to India 1st week of December. Would it be safe enough for them to come back during the first week of May? This current trip they would have stayed less than 3 months.

[immihelp]

While there are no hard rules regarding the exact duration of stay in US on visitors visa, before it starts creating trouble, please understand that tourist visa is for tourism. How much tourism will a person realistically do?

If the person is staying in US more than staying outside US, that person is really not a tourist. But just staying in US and that violates the purpose of tourist visa.

Go with that guideline and you should be fine.