Just.Me.

Hello Everyone!

At the end of last year i gained my US tourist visa and travelled to the US from Nov 2011 through to April this year. My question is, is there a time limit before re-entering the US? I potentially want to visit again in July and wondered if i might have any trouble re-entering?

Hopefully someone can answer my question as i cant seem to find any information to help!

ian-mstm

You won't find that sort of information because it doesn't exist. Each time you show up at the border and ask permission to enter, one of two things will happen - you'll be admitted, or you'll be sent home. Not having a specific duration written down gives the officer the widest-possible latitude in performing his job... which is, I might add, keeping non-US citizens out of the US.

General rule of thumb... spend at least as much time out of the US as you did in the US before returning. Are you eligible to return in July? Yes. Will you be allowed in? Who knows! If you spend more time in the US than outside the US, the officer might think that you're trying to live in the US without the proper visa... and that'll bring your journey to an abrupt and unfortunate end.

Also, if you spend too much time in the US, you may step over the IRS' "substantial presence" thresshold and become liable to file a US tax return. Google is your friend.

Ian

Noorah101

There is no official time limit, no. It will be up to the POE officer, each time you visit the USA, whether to allow you in or not.

In general, a good rule of thumb is to spend more time outside the USA than inside. So, you were inside the USA for 5 months. For best results, stay outside the USA for 5+ months before attempting another trip. But, that's just an unwritten suggestion. There is nothing in writing about it.

Rene

oxonlad

I don't believe there is. Exit, and re-entry, should reset the clock.

Noorah101

What clock?

Each B-1/B-2 visit can be up to 6 months, if the POE officer allows it.

Rene

oxonlad

The time limit the original poster mentioned.

crg

What were you doing for six months last time? How long will you stay next time? Stringing long trips close together can cause problems.

As a side note, a B1 or B2 can be admitted for up to one year at a time, are generally admitted for six months, but can be limited to less at the discretion of the border guard.