Generally, visitors on a B-2 tourist visa can stay in the US for a maximum of six months per visit.
Understanding Your US Tourist Visa Stay
While a B-1 or B-2 visa itself may be valid for multiple entries over a period of up to 10 years, the actual permitted length of stay in the United States is determined at the port of entry by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. For most B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) visitors, the maximum duration granted for a single stay is six months.
It's crucial to understand that the visa's validity period (e.g., 10 years) indicates how long you can use the visa to request entry into the U.S., not how long you can stay during each visit.
Key Factors Determining Your Stay
Your exact permitted stay will be noted on your electronic Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. You should always check this record after entering the U.S. for your specific "admitted until" date.
- CBP Officer's Discretion: The final decision on the length of your stay rests with the CBP officer at the port of entry. They will consider the purpose of your visit, your ties to your home country, and your travel history.
- Purpose of Visit: B-2 visas are for tourism, visiting friends/relatives, medical treatment, or participation in events that are not for credit. B-1 visas are for legitimate business activities, like conferences or consultations.
- Visa Type:
- B-1/B-2 Visas: Typically grant up to six months.
- Visa Waiver Program (VWP): Offers a shorter stay for eligible travelers.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Explained
For visits less than 90 days, and if you are a citizen of a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program, you might qualify to enter the U.S. without a traditional visa.
- Maximum Stay: Participants in the VWP are generally permitted to stay for up to 90 days.
- Requirements: You must have an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to your travel.
- No Extensions: Stays under the VWP generally cannot be extended or changed to another visa category once you are in the U.S. This program is ideal for short, casual visits.
Important Considerations for Your Stay
- Monitor Your I-94 Record: Always access your electronic Form I-94 record at the official CBP website (https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home) to confirm your "admitted until" date. This is your official departure deadline.
- Overstaying Consequences: Overstaying your permitted duration can have serious consequences, including:
- Making you ineligible for future visas or entry into the U.S.
- Potentially leading to bars from re-entry for several years.
- Invalidating your current visa.
- Extensions of Stay: While possible, extending your B-1/B-2 stay beyond the initial period is complex and requires filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, with USCIS before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are granted only under limited, justifiable circumstances, often for unexpected medical emergencies or other compelling reasons.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Program/Visa Type | Maximum Stay Per Entry | Typical Visa Validity | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa | 6 months | Up to 10 years | Approved visa, CBP officer's discretion, I-94 record |
| Visa Waiver Program | 90 days | N/A | ESTA approval, eligible country, no visa required |
Always ensure you adhere to the specific departure date noted on your I-94 record to maintain good standing for future travel to the United States. For more detailed information on visitor visas, you can refer to the U.S. Department of State website (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html).
