Visitors staying beyond the duration specified in DS-156

[skb]

Hi all,

I have a question on the duration of stay for visitors. My parents requested a visit for 4 months in their DS-156. If they are stamped for six months at the port of entry (I expect they will be), can they stay the full six months without any adverse impact on their future visits or visa applications?

Thanks a lot!

[PraetorianXI]

They can stay for as long as their I-94 is valid... HOWEVER, they should not stay for 6 months in their first visit to the USA on their first visit.

It is a very long time for a "tourism" visit. Plus, if they received a short visa (1 entry, or 1 year visa) then next time they go and apply for a visitor visa... the officer will see that they stayed more time than they claimed on the ds-156 form and that may be a problem.

But, even if the visa is a 10 year long visa... it is recommended to have visits for less than 5 months, that way you are not "pushing the limits" of your stay.