I have just been issued a B-2 visa that is valid for 10 years. Does this mean that I can stay in the U.S. for 10 years?
7 October 2009 by: visaservices
No! The validity period of a visa relates only to the period of time in which the holder may travel to the United States and apply for admission. The period of time that you will be allowed to remain will be determined by U.S. immigration at the Port of Entry at the time you apply for admission.
As a nonimmigrant visa holder you will be required to show that your visit is temporary and that you have a residence abroad to which you will return at the end of your visit.
There is no limit to the number of times that you may travel to the United States during the validity period of visa. Each time that you apply for admission, you will be required to furnish to U.S. immigration compelling evidence of your intention to depart the United States at the end of your visit and return to a residence abroad. If admitted, U.S. immigration will determine the length of stay. While they can grant a stay of six months, it is entirely at their discretion. Individuals who travel to the United States on a fequent basis and apply for admission for extended periods will be questioned by U.S. immigration. If found not to be a bona fide visitor for pleasure, they will be denied entry.
There is no limit to the number of times that you may travel to the United States during the validity period of visa. Each time that you apply for admission, you will be required to furnish to U.S. immigration compelling evidence of your intention to depart the United States at the end of your visit and return to a residence abroad. If admitted, U.S. immigration will determine the length of stay. While they can grant a stay of six months, it is entirely at their discretion. Individuals who travel to the United States on a fequent basis and apply for admission for extended periods will be questioned by U.S. immigration. If found not to be a bona fide visitor for pleasure, they will be denied entry.