When to apply for B2...

[jhynds]

Hi all,

My two friends and I are planning on going to the States for a few months - just take an extended break, visit friends, rent a car, really want to do Route 66, stop off as many places as we can over the course of a few months.

Could probably do it within the 90 day Visa Waiver Program, but would prefer to have a bit longer. Ideally would like to get the B2 holiday visa and have up to the maximum 6 months at our disposal. We would probably do 4-5 months.

We won't be working in the States - just an extended holiday. We would have savings to survive for a few months and have credit cards at our disposal.

One question we can't seem to find an answer for is when is the best time to apply for the Visa? Our plan is to travel in September, but naturally if we can't get a B2 Visa it means we can't do the trip at all. Therefore, could we apply for the visa now and at least then we know if we can get the B2 or not. If we got the visa now, does that mean it will be expired come September?

Thanks!

[peace999]

First of all, there are no guarantees that you will get the visa. Visitor visa approval depends a lot on the discretion/whim of the officer and If you are denied, you will have difficutly entering on the visa waiver program also.

I suggest you use the visa waiver. 90 days is a long enough time to enjoy and you can do the other half a few months later.

About the visa; If they give it to you, it will cover the september period because you will be telling them that you are traveling in september.

[immihelp]

If you would like to come in Sep, apply around July.