ian-mstm

Generally, it'll take another 2 weeks or so to get the passport and visa back. It might be quicker, it might be slower - there's no way to know for sure. Once you have your passport back, you'll know exactly how long it took.

Ian

serenawell

Lovely news xx

serenawell

Great news on the email.

Like the wize Ian says - like the application - it takes as long as it takes - but you are at the final hurdle now, that's the important thing

bogsdabird

It was the normal waiver of ineligibility

Nige1512

Going off your wait time I've another 8 weeks : ( At least you got yours now and can look forward to holiday hope you have a nice time : )

KTG

If I was granted a visa and it expired 15th April for example - as long as you leave the US on or before the 15th April are you ok or does the visa have to go way beyond your dates of travel?

Hope I am making sense?

taiwanluthiers

For the US, visa is good for seeking entry. Your actual stay will be determined by the CPB agent at the POE. It has no bearing on the expiry date on your visa. You can enter the US on the last day of visa expiry and still be given 90 day stay (for example, tourist visa)

It's the same with immigrant visa... has 6 month validity but once you get in you become permanent resident...

The rule isn't the same for all countries however, for example in the EU visa validity is generally understood as the time you're allowed to stay.

ian-mstm

A visa is a travel document only. It usually has no bearing on how long you're allowed to remain in the US. It's entirely possible to enter the US the day before the visa expires and still be allowed to remain in the US for 90 days! You can go online and get a copy of your I-94. It's the I-94 that determines how long you can remain in the US. You must leave the US by the expiry date on the I-94... whether your visa is expired or not.

Ian

KTG

Thanks to both if you for your replies - very helpful for working out my timings. I know each situation is different but as a general rule is the first visa usually valid for a year or is six months?

ian-mstm

Usually, the first visa is valid for a year - but it could be valid for less than that.

Ian

KTG

Thanks :-)

TranceMaster

I am currently sat in the hell hole which is the US embassy to go through the process for the 4th time. EXACTLY the same process again..... Of course, it takes 6 months to deal with it even though the circumstances are IDENTICAL to the previous 3 times.... Better now you can bring your phone but they really need to start handing the power to the embassy in simple cases like repeat visas.

KTG

Hope you get seen soon. What have been the previous durations of your other visa? Hopefully you will get a longer duration this time?

TranceMaster

I'm out! Wasn't too bad today. Get there early is my tip!

Previous 6 month single entry and then 2 x 1 year multiple entry.

KTG

Good news. There is a chance then I might only get a 6 month one for my first time so I do need to rethink my timings.