Andrew1979

Hi, My B2 expires on November 20th this year. My plan is to travel to the US in early November and stay for around 3-4 months. I think this is OK but would be interested in anyone's thoughts.

Do I need to apply for a new B2 or am I correct that the expiry date is relevant to the date you enter the USA and not the date you leave? Obviously desperate to ensure I don't upset the system!

Thank you!

materialcontroller

Your proposed trip is fine. You're OK as long as the visa is still valid on the day that you enter the USA. Your departure date is governed by the period of time granted to you by the CBP at the port of entry.

Andrew1979

Thank you!

TheKingOfHearts

Are you not eligible for the visa waiver (ESTA) program? Assuming not since you have a B2, but if you are, you could submit an ESTA and use the VWP to enter for up-to 90 days which would potentially address you concerns.

You're right that so long as you have a valid visa you'll likely be granted entry, but it is also up to the officer at the port of entry how long they make your i94 valid for, and they could easily set this to the same as the visa expiration date as opposed to the 6 months you'd traditionally be given with a B2 with a longer expiration timeline.

steph0scope

Past posts of his suggest that he has a criminal record that makes him ineligible for the VWP.

I am interested as to why the B-2 was only valid for 6.5 years. It was applied for and issued in the summer of 2014. They are normally valid for 10 years.

tht

Also be aware that while you can be admitted for up to 180 days on a B1/B2 you could be asked about how long your planned visit is / for your onward/return flight details. Assuming you are not of retirement age they may ask how you are able to spend so long away and not able to work which could lead to more questions/issues.