How long can I stay in the USA with my existing tourist visa?

Question

Right now I am holding a 10 year, multiple entry tourist visa that has at least 7.5 years left on it.

I'm planning to go on sabbatical later this year to spend some time with my fiancee who is studying in the United States, say sometime in August '07. How long will I be allowed to stay, I'm looking roughly at about 6 months. I'm worried there may be some kind of time limit per trip even though the visa is for 10 years.

As an additional note, would I have to get a return ticket (most of the travel agents here don't arrange for anything past 2007) or is it okay to get a one way ticket and then purchase a return ticket while I'm in the States around December '07 or maybe January '08

Answer 1

The 10 years on the visa means that you can travel as you like for ten years, not that you can stay that long!

When you arrive in the US, CBP will tell you how long you can stay. They will staple an I94 card into your passport with a date marked on it by which you must leave. If you tell the officer you are on sabbatical and want to stay for six months with your fiancee who is also there temporarily, they will probably let you stay that long - six months used to be the standard, just to avoid the hassle of folks who couldn't be sure if they would stay two weeks or a month; six months was the absolute maximum. They can't give more, but they still give that much very often to folks who seem legitimate.

Answer 2

I would contact the US Embassy and ask them directly about how long you are permitted to visit.

You must always have a return ticket when traveling with a visa of ANY kind. I also wouldn't advise you to attempt purchasing an open ended return ticket because they are really strict about dates.

My advice is that whenever you decide specifically what dates you wish to be visiting, you should contact the embassy and clear it with them first. I certainly wouldn't want to go to all that trouble and then get stuck at the last minute and have to switch travel plans. Best of luck.

Answer 3

from what i have read...the immigration officer at the point of entry will determine how long you can stay. if you need to stay longer, you can apply for a waiver to do so. if you don't apply for the waver, you would become "illegal" so it's important to do it.

i would say 6 months is pushing it...but within the means of acceptable. i WOULD get a return ticket...this will provide proof that you plan only to visit, and a definite departure date. if you come with a one way ticket, you have a VERY good chance of being DENIED entry...because it looks like you are going to stay.

for a long visit, make sure you come prepared with utility bills from your home country, statement from your employer, bank account statements etc.. just in case they need more proof that you are tied to your home country and you plan on returning.

Answer 4

There's absolutely no way to tell. The length of your stay will be determined by the US Immigration agent upon your entry to the USA after you've told him what your business in the country is.