Visitor Visa extension or new Visa

[rads]

Hi,
My father applied for a visa last year and got it till April 2008
He did not use it and come down to the US as my grandmother fell sick and he had to take care of her.
my father would now like to come down now for a couple of months . His visa expires in april. He would like to start from india around first week of march. does he need to apply for a visa extension or a new visa.
Is he eligible to apply for a new visa as at the moment he has a visa.
Please let me know.

Thanks,
Meena

[PraetorianXI]

he does not need a new visa to travel to the USA before the date of expiration on that visa. He can travel and apply for entry up to the last day the visa is valid. How much will he be allowed to stay does not depend on when his visa expires either.

[rads]

Visa Extension

Could you please clarify this statement..
"How much will he be allowed to stay does not depend on when his visa expires either."

If his visa expires in March 31st and he enters into the us on March 11th..he would be given a 2 week duration right..

Regards
Meena

[PraetorianXI]

No.

How long he will be allowed to stay depends on the purpose of his trip and the immigration officer.

Even if he was to enter on March 30th, he could get up to 6 months of stay.

[rads]

Visitor visa

That is interesting indeed...but then my parents are coming here to help with my second baby..Is that a reason enough......or is it good atleast..

What would you suggest in such a case.

Regards
Meena

[PraetorianXI]

I suggest a different reason. Being a "helper" for you after birth could be seen as "an american losinga a job" by you bringing your parents and give them a restricted time/stay.

[rads]

Visa Extension

Thats what i figured..what do u suggest..as a reason...................or rather what options

Meena

[rathi]

Hi Meena,
Your parents need not give any specific reason. They can just say "To visit my daughter's family". That is sufficient.