Widower father entering US

[immifive]

Hello,

My father has 10-year multiple entry visa to US which he obtained when my mother was alive.

My mother passed away recently and my father will be visiting me. His port of entry will be SFO. He does not have any other children in India but he has a property in his name and is an ex-government employee getting pension.

What kind of questions should I prepare him for?

Thanks
immifive.

[immihelp]

If he already has unexpired visa, you don't need to prepare him with any questions.

He can just come.

[immifive]

immihelp,

Thanks for the info. He has 10-year multiple entry that is valid until 2009.

Assuming that his I-94 gets stamped for 6 months at POE, can he go back to India after 6 months, stay in India for 1 month and return back to US for another 6 months? I mean can he use his multiple entry visa to shuttle back-and-forth thereby staying in US for around say 10months in an year and 2 months/year in India.

Thanks.

[bvenkate]

Theoretically yes....

He can do so with the 10 year multiple entry visa. After a couple of trips, it might ring a bell to the officer at the POE and it is possible that he may not get 6 months duration every time at the POE. Your father should be prepared to convince , as a tourist, why he needs to stay here for 10 months in a year.

One of my friends' parents were given only 1 month at the POE on their 4th trip to the US in 4 years. It all depends on the officer at the POE (just like granting Visas at the embassy). It is true that you can extend the duration given at the POE, but it will show on their next entry.

[immifive]

Re: Theoretically yes....

what was the POE for your friend's parents? My father will be arriving at SFO.

How can the duration granted by officer at POE be extended? I understand that there are new rules coming into effect which does not allow visitor visas to be extended beyond 6 months within US.