B Visa FAQs

- H1B 60-day grace period starts on the date of getting notice of layoff from the employer, on the date of the severance paycheck, or on the last date of the regular paycheck?

- During H1B 60-day grace period, what is the best time to apply for B1/B2? When 30 days are left, 15 days are left, etc.?

- H1B is for 6-years of work, or 6-years total? I mean does unemployment time or B1/B2 time etc. also counts in 6-years of H1B?

- After layoff on H1B, if decided to go to school, then how to stay in US until getting admission decision and until school starts, that could take many months.

- After layoff on H1B, what is the better option to choose between B1/B2 and F-1?

I got laid off on H1B in my previous company but found and started a job in a new company within a 60-day grace period. Again, the current company has provided a notice period for layoff. Will I get a 60-day grace period again this time?

How easy it is to get a B1/B2 to find a job after a layoff.

I have just 50 days left on my H1B grace period, and I need to get an employer to transfer my H1B, or I will be kicked out of the States. My question is, which of the following paths should I choose?

1) I have a Canadian visitor visa, which is for six months, so can I go to Canada if I don't get a job by the grace period?

2) If I don't get an employer should I shift on B1/B2? If I do, how can I come back on H1B? Is there anything else you suggest to keep my H1B active?

I have a question about my mother's stay in the US on a visitor (B2) visa. I am an IT Professional in the US on an L1 work visa along with my family (spouse & kid). My only sibling (younger sister) is also settled here in the USA. My father passed away a couple of years back in India. My mother is 60+ years of age, and currently, there is no family member in India to stay with her at all times. She visits the USA and stays with us for six months at a stretch during the year. Considering her health and emotional support needs, I am looking for options to have her stay with us long-term (beyond a six-month period in a year). As is the case in this scenario, are there legally valid options/exceptions for old-age single parents?

1. I am currently in a 60-day grace period due to a layoff and am in the process of finding a new employer to file an H1B transfer. I have two questions regarding my situation:
If I apply for a B1/B2 visa on the 59th day of my grace period and it is approved within two weeks, can my new employer still file an H1B transfer using premium processing? 

2. Specifically, I am concerned about the impact of my status change from H1B to B1/B2 and then back to H1B on the processing of the transfer.

3. My family members hold a valid US visa stamping until March 2027, which was obtained using my previous employer's I-797. Can they enter the US using this existing visa with a copy of my new employer's I-797 at the port of entry?

I am currently on a B2 status and waiting for PERM approval. I have extended my B2 once, and I still think I would need another six months until my perm and I140 get approved. I need your suggestion in making a decision:

Should I move to day 1 CPT OR extend my B2 for another six months?

Which one will be the best option so I don’t get any RFEs from USCIS in the future?

I have another question: My parents and brother have their B2 visa interview scheduled for May 31st. If they ask my parents about me, is it a good idea to mention my situation in the interview?

I'm on F-1 OPT with a STEM MS Degree. If I put a startup, I will be performing my roles directly related to the degree.

1) To establish employer-employee relations would having a board of directors be sufficient during STEM OPT?

2) If I apply for EB2-NIW and get I-140 approval then can I immediately shift to other non-tech roles within my startup (CTO -> CEO) Or do I have to wait for 6 months before doing that, all the while when I-485 is pending?

3) If I shift immediately and use I-485 EAD instead of F-1 EAD, then can that lead to I-485 being rejected?

Should I wait at least 6 months before using I-485 EAD? Also, if the startup fails, does that discontinue my I-485 process having approved I-140?

Many have asked this question before, but since rules and situations are always different, so here I go - I'm on H1B with an approved I-140.

A layoff recently impacted me - my last day on payroll is 10th Feb 2024. I will also receive a severance (lumpsum) within 75 days of Feb 10th. My questions are -

1) Given the market, it may take more than April 10th to finalize an offer and start the H1B transfer. What are the options ( if any ) to extend my stay beyond April 10th?

2) Many suggest applying for B1/B2 (I'm single, have no spouse to move to H4, etc), but I also hear if it's rejected then the time of my stay after April 10th will be an illegal presence, is that true?

3) Say I receive the severance lump sum on March 15th -- are the days from Feb 10th until March 15th counted on company payroll?

I entered the country back in 2019 to complete my Masters degree (F1 Visa). I am on an H1-B visa, which was approved last year (10/01/2022 - 10/10/2025). However, I have yet to go to India, so visa stamping is incomplete. I got laid off on December 14, 2023, so I am on my 60-day grace period. Suppose I cannot secure a new role within the 60-day grace period. In that case, I am considering changing my status to a B2 visa to extend my stay and continue looking for an opportunity. However, since my H1 visa is not stamped, will that create an issue filling for a change of status to a B2 visa? And when I land a new job returning from B2 to H1, would that be an issue since the visa won't be stamped either?

I have a valid B-1 visa and have traveled to the US recently in April 2023. Now my H1B petition has been approved, and I am eligible for Dropbox. My employer is telling me that if my case does not get approved in Dropbox, he is asking me to travel on B1 and then get the status converted to H1B. In my I-129, it was mentioned as a change of status, as my I-94 was valid when my H1B was approved. I wanted to know if there will be any issues with coming to the US on B1 and changing the status if they call me for an interview in Dropbox. Also, I want to know if it is possible to switch employers with an approved H1B petition before getting my visa stamped. If I change the employer, will it have any issues?

I have a valid B-1 visa and have traveled to the US recently in April 2023. Now my H1B petition has been approved, and I am eligible for Dropbox. My employer is telling me that if my case does not get approved in Dropbox, he is asking me to travel on B1 and then get the status converted to H1B. In my I-129, it was mentioned as a change of status, as my I-94 was valid when my H1B was approved. I wanted to know if there will be any issues with coming to the US on B1 and changing the status if they call me for an interview in Dropbox. Also, I want to know if it is possible to switch employers with an approved H1B petition before getting my visa stamped. If I change the employer, will it have any issues?

My son-in-law was interviewed at the US Consulate in Frankfurt in May 2023 for a marriage-based immigrant visa. They have requested his CV with traveling details for further processing. His case has been in Administrative processing for well over 90 days. I have two questions:

1. Is anything can be done to expedite the process?

2. He has traveled to the US on a B1/B2 visa four times prior to his interview from Germany. Is there any problem with him traveling to the USA to visit his wife while his case is in Administrative processing?

Currently, I am holding a STEM OPT from May 2022 until May 2024 (2 years).

My employer had applied for H1B this year and last year but had no luck.

Question and suggestion, please:

1) What are my legal options?

1.1 Apply for H1b next year in March and wait for the result, In case H1b is picked, how do I process it as my STEM opt expires in May 2024?

2) Enroll in university for the Master's degree?

2.1 I have a few classes remaining for my master's as I have finished my bachelor's degree in the USA and I take Day One CPT? Once a master's degree is complete, reapply for OPT and STEM OPT.

2.2 Should I continue to apply for H1B in the meantime?

3) If I apply for Master and Day One CPT, do I need to enroll for May–August 2024 (the summer class) or can I enroll for Fall 2024?

Note: STEM OPT Expires: May 15, 2024, or please suggest any other better option to stay in the USA.

Lastly, my passport expires in May 2024 as well. Is there any problem there?

- I'm thinking of starting the process for the renewal online. Should I do it now or wait for some time?

My sister is in India and the prospective groom is a US citizen. They have concerns about how to proceed with marriage and relocation of the girl to US in a timely manner (prefer not to wait more than a year for marriage/ living together post-marriage for personal reasons) Current fiancé visa processing time seems to be 15 months. It was not this long pre-covid, realistically can this processing time reduce this year? If they do marriage in India first, what’s the quickest way for her to come to US and how long would it take She has a valid B1. Can she travel on that to US post-marriage for 5-6 months only without any risk to her green card application? She is trying to get an L1-B visa through her current company. Will that visa approval be affected if they get married in the meanwhile? In short, what is the quickest path for her marriage & relocation to the US right now?

Namaste! Rajiv ji, I have been listening to your podcasts discussing various situations and scenarios with valuable information about real life examples you share during your weekly podcasts and want to thank you for your time helping people like me through your forums. I have a question if you could share your thoughts on it I will greatly appreciate your response. If someone has a B-1 B-2 Visa valid for 10 years. Then they get H-1B Visa for 3 years and enters US using it. What happens to the B-1 B-2 Visa? Is it cancelled after H-1B is issued? If not, what if H-1B Visa expires or if it is revoked prematurely, does B-1 B-2 Visa still remain valid and can be used for travel in and out of US? Thank You!

1. I am on H1B VISA and was notified that my employment will end on January 20th. I am actively seeking new job opportunities. Can you please let me know what happens if I am still interviewing after 60 days and become out of status? 
2. Do I have any other options to change my VISA status before/after my employment is terminated and I fail to secure a job before the 60-day period is over? 
3. Does my VISA become invalid after the 60 days or can I still find a job and reactivate it if I get an offer after the 60-days?

Have any rules changed regarding getting a spouse visa through H1, L1, or O1? Also is traveling on a tourist visa to the US after marriage not ok, with a pending GC application? Finally, does the US have any special agreements with the UK, EU, Singapore, Dubai or Australia for visas that may qualify in this scenario?

Parents came to the USA on a B-2 Visa in March 2021. I have requested an I-539 extension in August 2021 due to COVID and they stayed till Jan 2022. Eventually the extension got denied. Is this a problem?
 

We live in Delaware. We had extended my parent's B2 Visa twice in the past. Once in 2016 and it was approved. Second time in 2018, but they went back to India before the decision on extension. For the second extension, we got a letter from USCIS stating, "Since they left the country, USCIS is not approving the extension, However they can travel again"

Again in 2019, they came and left the US in 6 months.

This year, they came last week on Jan 31 2022, but CBP in Philadelphia airport took them for inspection at the port of entry. After a long wait time, CBP came back and told them that they had overstayed and they had canceled their B2 Visa. CBP gave a letter that they can stay for three months and leave the country before April 30.

Though we followed the process defined, we are really not sure why they canceled the visa.

With this situation, Can you please advise what is our option,

1. Can we appeal for visa reinstatement?

2. Can we go back to the country and apply for a B2 Visa again in May ? Or should we wait for some time before applying again?

My parents have been here on visitor's visas since the beginning of August. If they are here for the entire six months, can they come back again within six months of leaving the U.S.?

My employer has applied for my H1 B extinction and got an RFE ,based on RFE responded but I got denial USCIS site 03-20-2020. But my employer still did not received denial notice. How many days I can stay in the USA after denial. (my I-94 has expired Jan-25-2020)

Recently, there was an ICE raid on students enrolled in University of Farmington, Michigan. I was temporarily enrolled for a year and half there (Feb 2017 - Nov 2018). I left USA on my own volition in May of 2018. The univ eventually terminated my SEVIS for non-payment in Nov 2018. I'm looking to apply for a tourist visa to USA. What potential issues might arise?

My spouse and I are staying in the USA since last 10 years on work visa H-1B. We have our second daughter born in 2016 who is facing neurological disability which requires long term care and constant therapies. The current scenario is my husband's H-1B has denied and couldn't get back to the USA. I am here in the USA with my both kids on B2 Visa. My both kids are US Citizens. Is there any legislation which can provide legal stay to the parent of a child with disability in the USA?

I had been travelling to the US on a tourist visa for all my life, in 2008 I had to travel out of the country and when I returned to the US, in the Minneapolis checkpoint they found a pay stub from my work which I obviously shouldn't have had since I didn't have a work permit, they took away my tourist visa and made me sign what looked like a "voluntary departure" or "refusal of entry" I really can't remember exactly the term that I signed and was returned to MX the next day. <br>

My questions are:<br>
1. Is there a website where I can see if I was penalized? <br>
2. Will I be able to solicit another tourist visa? <br>
3. If the answer to the above question is yes, given the political climate, do you think it is a good idea to go through the whole process again or would it just be a waste of money?<br>
4. My father has become a US citizen, I'm unmarried, can he request citizenship for me or residency? approximately how long is the process?

I am contemplating marriage to a GC holder and I have a question regarding I-130 and AOS. My prospective spouse got GC in Jan 2015. I currently hold a valid visitors visa to USA and I have visited USA many times on this visa.Is it possible to get married, enter USA on the existing visitors visa and then immediately apply for I-130 and Adjustment of Status. What are the risks/implications with this approach. What is the best procedure in these circumstances?

I am US citizen and planning to sponsor green card for my sibling. My sibling has already visited US in B-1/B-2 visa few times and holds that visa for another few years.
I know that this kind of application takes 10+ years to approve. From this context in mind, I have few questions -<br>

1) Can my sibling enter United States on the same B-1/B-2 visa after I apply immigration application?<br>
2) Can my sibling apply for renewal or new B-1/B-2/H-1 visa while application is being processed?

I am an Indian studying in New Zealand. I have finished my first semester. During my 3 month semester break, from New Zealand I would like to apply for a B-2 visa(visit for pleasure) to the US to attend my best friends wedding as I am her bridesmaid. My query about the funds that I need to show <br>
1. How much do I have to show <br>
2. How old should the funds be

Last year my tourist visa was denied because the officer thought I may not come back. Now I am going for student visa. What effect will the tourist denial have on my student visa application?

What kind of visa can I get for medical treatment. I have an appointment with a Surgeon in Anderson. Can the visa be extended without leaving America?

How do I know if my visa is voided or not? I applied for a change of status while in the USA and got a denial, so I left the country 11 days after, with my I-94 already expired. Some people say my visa is voided, but where can I check this?

I am here on an H-1B and I am looking at quitting my job very soon to leave the country. I am aware there is no grace period for quitting on an H-1B and I don't have a choice but to work till the last day. I do however have a tourist visa that is valid until 2016. Can I quit my job earlier and still stay a week on the account of the tourist visa to pack up and leave; or would the tourist visa have to be activated only be re-entering?

Q1.I lost my mother recently and we brought our father soon after that. I have an older brother and both of us stay here in USA. He has a medical condition - semi-paralytic. My father has a B-2 multiple entry visa; arrived here on 27th Jan 2013, I-94 expired on July 26th and visa extension applied on June 14th. How long can he stay here in US until the decision is made? Will his multiple Visa get rejected if his extension is denied?

Q2. What is recommended, he leaves immediately or waits until his extension decision comes?

1. Describe Bangkok’s local policy on issuing B visas.

2. How does HCMC <b>(Ho Chi Minh City)</b> typically handle B visa adjudications for pregnant mothers who wish to give birth in the U.S.?

3. How does HCMC <b>(Ho Chi Minh City)</b> typically handle B visa adjudication for dependent parents?

4. How does HCMC <b>(Ho Chi Minh City)</b> typically handle B visa adjudication for domestic employees?

5. How does HCMC <b>(Ho Chi Minh City)</b> typically handle B visa adjudication for cohabitating partners of NIV (nonimmigrant visa applicant) or USC (U.S. citizen)?

I have done my masters in USA and stayed there for 4 years and came back to India. My visa got over on Jan 2013, and I plan to pursue my MBA in USA and went for the visa interview twice it got rejected, and now my friends and family are suggesting me to apply for B-2 visa. What should I do?

As my husband's H-1 expires, we are moving back to India around August/September. I am exploring options to quit my job (also on H1) in the last 2-3 months, but since this is a short period, I'm looking for the most convenient and economical transition. Can you please advise:
- Convert to H4: What is the expense incurred and how much in advance would I have to apply for this?
- I have a tourist visa that is valid till 2016- can I take advantage of this?
- Is there a grace period after leaving a job here (giving up your H1) that I can take advantage of if I time it properly?

For a CBP port of entry, what is the procedure available to seek supervisory review of an officer’s refusal to admit a visitor due to the period of time he or she was previously present in the U.S.?

I recently abandoned the US for Canada. I had been living in the US illegally for 15 years (since the age of 11). I got an opportunity to conduct biological research at the University of Alberta, AB, and Canada. I'm fully funded to live in Canada by the institution. Anyway, I would like to return to the US in 2013 for my 10 year high school reunion. I would like to know how likely I would be to get a tourist visa given my recent history. I have no intentions of staying in the US, just visiting. Am I automatically banned?

I am having a problem getting my visitor visa. My fiancé is a US citizen and my sister is on H-1B visa she is there since 3 years with her family... my parents got their (B1-B2) visitor visa. But when ever I apply for B1-B2 I get rejected. My question is, when they ask me why you want to go to the USA my answer was to visit my sister and her family. Now can I answer like this? My fiancé is a US citizen and I want to meet her and get married.

Will I get 15 days visa for US as tourist visa and in this time marry a friend who is U.S citizen and also born over there in USA, so could I be able to apply for visa extension and then apply for PR in USA?

I am a US citizen - my partner is a citizen of the UK (we are not married). He is a consultant in the international development field so travels frequently, but often visits me in the US when he is not working. He has been to the US for visits of 2-3 weeks duration about 6 times in the last year. The past few times, immigration has hassled him about the number of visits he is making. We are concerned that one of these times he may be refused entry - is this likely?

I am a UK resident and currently have a B1 visa with 7 years to run. When I enter the US via LAX they always stamp my passport and issue the I-94 card for 12 months. We always leave before the date given. Question - do we have to go back to the UK (our country of origin) or could we go to Canada for a week and then re-enter the US?

I am working in a Federal Gov't Agency, and in the near future leaving for Frankfurt, Germany, for a conference, and with a plan in mind to fly to USA via Germany after my conference is completed. My question, here, is that whether I can use my US visa, which is valid up to Apr 06/2012, whereas the passport has already expired by last May 23/2011, and due to be replaced by a new one.

I have a brother here in US who is diagnosed with cancer. I would like my mom and brother who live in India to come and visit him. What type of visa should they apply for in India and how long will it take? On which visa can they come as soon as possible.

My mother wants to travel to US on her existing visit visa. We recently filed for her GC petition as well. We are wondering if she is allowed to travel on that same visit visa. Her visit visa is also expiring soon, would that be a problem coming into USA?

I am US citizen and my wife is here on B-2 visa, her I-94 just expired, applied for extension, denied. Can I file I-130 and 485 for her now and can she wait here for her GC legally without leaving the country?

I have plans of taking the FOREIGN PHARMACY EQUIVALENCY EXAM (FPGEE), I am from the Philippines what kind of visa should I apply for?

Can I invite my parents while I am on a business visit. I have I-94 valid till June 2011. My dad is a defence employee.

I'm a non-married Iranian citizen who’s my first-degree family members are US citizens, currently residing in USA. During last several years I've been rejected every time I requested for a US visa (both F and J).
Now, I am qualified to become a Canadian PR through the skilled-worker program. The visa is issued and I will be soon landing in Canada. I was wondering if my chances for getting a B-2 visa to visit my family will be any better once I'm a registered Canadian resident. Is it wise to ask for a visa once I get my PR card?

I am an IT professional who has come to the US for medical treatment on a B2. I am getting better. Since I like to constantly upgrade my skills, I found some training programs that I could attend as they are more frequent in the US than in Canada. Can I attend them on a B2? I mean I have a B1/B2 visa, but the officer marked it as B2 on the stamp on my passport at the POE. Second - I also have got an offer for a one day lecture to some technology professionals for which I might get paid. How would the folks know I worked for a day if while exiting the country there is no checking?

My company has agreed to bring me and my wife to USA on L2 visa and then later get a H1 B visa. I want to make sure my parents have a B2 visa before I leave India. I have thought of two possible approaches:
a) Get a B2 visa for my parents but telling US consulate that I am traveling on business to USA and want my parent to visit the country. I used the same method for my wife 2 years back with no problems.
b) Get a L2/H1B visa for my self and then submit a request saying my parents want to visit the country for some time.

My mother's 6 month stay expires next month and she wants to go back to her country and come back to US in 10 days. What kind of questions will they ask her at the airport?

I entered the US with my mom in 2005. I was underage then. My visa B1/B2/BCC expires in Oct of 2010 and my permit I-94 expired in December of 2007. I am now 20 years old and I am married to the love of my life and he is a US citizen. I want to know what I can do. What files and forms will I need?

I am an internet marketing professional and I had H1B visa for the period of 2007-2009. I visited US 3 times ( 7-15 days each) but for some reason I did not join job there. Meanwhile I registered a LLC there for my business and running a small business for last year.I am internet marketing professional and i had H1B visa for the period of 2007-2009. I visited US 3 times ( 7-15 days each) but for this or that reason i did not join job there. Meanwhile I registered a LLC there for my business and running a small business for last year.

Now I have to attend a conference and set up things for the business. This time I want to go with my wife and 2 year old kid. Which visa would you suggest?

I have B1/B2 visitor visa and I am planning to visit USA. I also have job offer from one of the company in USA. They are asking me to come on visit visa and then they will apply for my work visa (H1) while staying in USA. Should I accept their offer and travel with my spouse and children?

My wife filed for Skilled worker (EB-3(A)(i)). Can I apply for NIV to visit her?

My mother had an appoinment to get a visa today and she got denied but they did not give her a reason, is there a time period she should wait to try again or can we find out why somehow.

I am married to an alien and I am a citizen and I am looking to bring my mother-in-law here from mexico. It would be for pleasure and also medical reasons. She has a bad knee and I am looking to take her to go get checked for her knee.

An Australian Musician that is wanting to come to US for a few weeks to travel and play at approx 15-20 venues across the US. I am willing to sponsor him via my DJ entertainment service, and he will be paid for the shows. He is a professional musician in his country, has been for 15 yrs.
Which visa would be required in this case?

I have a 5 year multivisa. I visited US for two weeks 4 month ago. Now my friends invite me to stay longer than 2 weeks (2-3 months) and I dont have a job now. Can you please advice how long can I stay in US with this visa?

My cousin has invited me to his wedding, and I got married October 31 2009. The thing is this - my current passport is not in my married name, can I just apply for the visitors visa with my current passport and bring my marriage certificate as proof of marriage? My current passport will be expiring in 2012.

I am a holder of a US tourist Visa which will expire on July of 2011. I will visit the US on March 2011 to attend a wedding. If I go I will only have 4 months visa validity. Can I still use it with less than 6 months valid stay? I will stay only for 2 months the most.

Can a friend co-sign for me to bring my brother to the United States, I have green card and i don't make enough money. I just want to know if a friend can co-sign for me.

I am a US citizen can I apply for green card for her while she is in US and can she stay here while the application is in process?

I got my parents Visitor Visa stamped when I worked for Company A . But now I work for company B and I am planning to get them to US now. Do they need to go for stamping again?

I am american citizen, I wish to invite Egytian CEO for visit to U.S. since my dad is dying of pancratic cancer stage 4 and he wish to see him . Unfortunatly, he is stating. I need to provide documentation or application for B-2 visa. What is exact requirment for B-2 Visa? He has his own companies and I own a building in Texas and have bank account. We are both financially solid.

I got married to a US citizen in Mumbai under the Special Marriage Act about a month back. He is currently in the US and I am also planning to immigrate there with him. I have a tourist visa & am planning on going to the US on that visa and then apply for change of status. Will it be ok to do that? & once I apply for change of status, am I allowed to stay in the US beyond the regular tourist visa timelines (meaning the stamp given at the immigration counter at the airport showing the last permissible date of stay in the current visit)?

My grandmother has a B2 visa to visit Guam. After her two week stay, she wants to visit her other daughter in California but she will have to go back to Philippines for a day because its cheaper to travel from Phil. to Cali. Can she still use the same B2 visa. When will she have to surrender her I-94? After the California trip?

I am US citizen trying to bring my friend from Pakistan to visit me in America , how hard is the process for him to visit, as we have never offical met in person, but are connected online. I hear you have to have proof that we actually have met, like pictures?. Is this hopeless? Would it be better for me to meet him out of the country?

I have already applied for the draw for the Diversity Lottery Visa for which I am eligible.If at all I dont get selected and want to make a B1/B2 application thereafter will I have to mention in the application form that I have been denied such a chance for lottery before and if I choose not to do so can the consulate people find out that this person has made such an application before.Please advise for the correct approach.

have a valid B1/B2 visa.I visited usa( 2 years ago, when I was a student) for tourism.Is it legal to use this visa to enter the usa to have a professional test (foreign pharmacy graduate equivalency examination)?. is there any problem to show this purpose to the officer at the port of entry (in airport)?

I was denied B1 because of lack of documents. On reality I have applied for Green Card as my sister is citizen of USA. How can I convince US officers that I will not abandon India and settle down in USA.

I am a U.S citizen but my husband is not yet. My mother in law has been battling cancer for a while and I would love for her to come here and get medical treatment and to just see her grandson. She is from El Salvador, is there any way for us to do that?

I sent an invitation to my business associate in India for supplying and installing equipments. The visa was rejected saying it is illegal to pay in US in USD. Actually, I am paying the company in India for supplying and installing equipments and not as a salary to the installer/project consultant.Now, I have asked him to reapply for the visa. What is the best way to present the case to the consulate office during interview?

I want to know how long I have to spend in my country before I can return back to America,I left there on october 27 and I have a B-2visa.

I have 5 year M entry visa to visit US from India. I got a job offer and my employer is filing H1b for me in April 2010. My 6 month B1/B2 visa is over on June 4th 2010. (A)Can I continue to stay in US on pending H1b? (B) Should I apply for extension of B1/B2? Will this application for extension confuse or spoil my chance of getting H1b? (C)If I do the premium processing will I know the status of my visa before 4th of June?

Which visa is easy to apply. Is it business visa or H-1 visa?

A a citizen, I filled up a I-130 form for my parents; they live abroad, but they already have a tourist visa; may they visit USA for short time while they are waiting for the GC process, and then go back to their country, keeping back and forth in the meantime?

I married my Canadian wife in November 09 in the US. She had entered the country as a visitor. She flew back to her expatriate parents in Australia. She re-entered the country - POE was LAX - and we linked up in North Carolina to drive north to pick up her belongings in Montreal. We exited the US and then we re-entered. USCIS gave us some difficulty at the border but they let us in together. Now I know I need to file the I-130 form, and I am hoping to file an I-485 for AOS and I-765 so she can work. Is this legal? She is here legally as a visitor with 6 months to stay.

I have a question .. I am a US citizen .. my husband is in the navy i want to bring my mom to the states but i dont work cause we have a 2 year old baby . Can my husband be my mom's sponsor? or what should we do ?

My husband and myself need to bring my mother in-law to the USA from Mexico, she is in need of constant elderly care how can we do this I am a US citizen and my husband is a permanent resident.

I am an American citizen. My parents received their 1 year multiple B-2 visa in Aug-09 and they came to live with me in Sep-09. I applied for I-130 for my mother in Oct-09. I received my mom's I-130 approval notice in Feb-10. And my parents are still in the States with me now. They were granted 6 months stay till Mar-10. My questions are:

1. Can my mom stay in the States beyond March and file I-485 status ajustment? Or should she go back to her home country and wait to be interview at the consulate?

2. I haven't applied I-130 for my dad. Can I file a B-2 visa extension for my dad and can he legally stay in the States after Mar-10 until the B-2 visa extension is granted or denied by Immigration? What form should I use for B-2 visa extension? Approximately how long does it take Homeland Security Immigration to grant or deny a B-2 visa extension case?

My grandmother and my auntie are US citizens, I would like to know how to get a tourist visa to visit there in US califonia? can I know the requirements or how much I need to spend?

My fiance's mother wants to visit him , but his income tax for 2009 not enough to sponsor his mother. Can I put my income tax to co-sign to let his mother get the visa visit US ? If its work how much my income should be that would qualify with the situation ? ( i'm a single mom with 2 kids).

My boyfriend is from pakistan and we would like to know what would be the best way for him to get a visa to visit the US and how. He is a student in Sweden at this time and has a Europe Visa. Will this help him in anyway to be able to come to the US? Would really appreciate any help or advice you could give to help him be able to visit me and my family.

I obtained my b1b2 visa on July 2007 with multiple entry and valid for 10 years. I travelled to USA on November 2007 and stay their for 2 weeks. I am planning to visit again my relatives this year but I heard from the people around me that my visa is already cancelled since I wasnt able to re enter USA after 2 years, they said that the requirements for me to do to keep my visa active is to enter USA every 2 years.

My husband and I have been married for over 2 years now. On September, he filed I-130 on my behalf and we have also filed G-325A in October. My question is whether I can come to visit him for Christmas on a B-1 visa? I just want to make sure that it will not affect the application and that I will not have to stay in the US until the application is processed.

Last november 11, 2009 I went to seattle for vaccation. I detained: 1-one returned ticket for may 3, 2010; 2-one electronic ticket for one mission on geneva from december 1st to 7, 2009; 3- 3books for my online MBA courses; 4- one visa B1 & B2 for 10 years issue on july 2007, 5- a letter for my employer. But when I arrive to airport the immagration office say that I came to work or study, but not for vaccation. They put me in Jail ARROUND 1 MONTH and they revoked me.
I want to know the way to make my complaint and ask to review my case. I am an international worker since 1999.

Have a pending I-130 with priority date of 26 OCt 2002 In the F2B category, now my cousin wish for me to visit her in MARYLAND, My parents and siblings live in the states and I have been denied B2 Visa befor in 2002 , but I have also travelled to the US before as a child first in 1987 and 1992 with my father. QUESTION is I have 5 Years working experience in a bank, I have travelled to the UK,FRANCE,ITALY AND SPAIN regularly on holidays in the last 3 years. What are my chances of getting a visitors visa? If my chances are not bright, I might as well forget about applying for a visitors visa.

I want my parents and my niece to visit me here in US. Can I apply for visa for all 3 of them together. My brother and sister in law are currently undergoing separation. Will there be any issues because of that?

I came to US when I was a minor under the care of my parents with a B1/B2 visa. My parents decided to stay here for 1 year. 5 years have passed. I am 20 years old now. My B1/B2 visa expired in august of this year and I do not want to stay illegal in this country anymore. I am going back to my country. Are there any impediments for me to exit without any problems?

My parents are planning to visit us here in States in Summer. They have 10 year multiple entry visa. They have been here before (about 2 years ago). This time they want to bring my niece (9 years old) with them as my niece will have 2 months summer break during that timeframe. My question is what documents do we need for her visa. Does my parents need to accompany her during her Visa interview.

I came to US by b1/b2 visa, now I want to change it to f2. My wife (we got married 4 months ago, when i came to the states) is studying here. We have a baby whom was born here 3 months ago. Now I can't go back to my mother land to get a visa, because my wife doesn't have a visa but just valid I-20 form. Do you think I should apply for a status change here or should we go to Canada to get visas? What is more safe for us?

I have a pen pal that is a citizen of Honduras. He would like to come to the US to visit me and our beautiful country. My question is this: if he obtains a 6 months B-2 visitors visa, then maybe half way through, he thinks he would like to move to the US and work here, could he apply for a green card during his 6 month stay. He has no family here in the US, just me, his friend.

My girlfriend and I decided to get married. She is on a B1/B2 visa, we didn't know it is some kind of offense, how to deal with this? I don't want her to be deported. Where do we start?

My mother has valid 10 year tourist visa. However, on tourist visa, she can stay upto 6 months in US. I wanted to know that after 6 months, can she fly to Canada for a month to stay with her sister and then return to US after a month. What's the min time limit she has to be out of US in order to re-enter US?
I'm having a small child and would like her to stay with me as much as possible.

I am supposed to apply for my business visa today for USA. I am traveling for pure business, meeting my existing suppliers and doing further business development and also inspect a loading on existing contract. I will be providing relevant business details on my visa form. The small query that i have is, that my real sister is based in usa, and her husband holds a green card.the visa form asks for mentioning of any blood relation/relative settled in usa, so would mentioning their details on my visa form create some kind of hindrance in my getting the business visa?

I am a Filipina and I have my fiance in the US but he is still waiting for his greencard. We are really looking forward to be together soon. Which is more easier to get a visitor's visa or a fiance visa? But he is not a US citizen yet, he is still waiting for his greencard. Please tell us what would be the best for us to do in order for us to be together soon?

My mother in law would like to visit me and her grand daughter and i would like to get her a visitor visa what do i need to get that and how do i get one?

I came back from states in 2003. I had mulitiple b1/b2 visa that was expired in 2006. Now, if I apply again so what are the chances? Can i get multiple visa again?

I have a urgent question, and I would super appreciate any advice you could give me. I have a B1/B2 Multiple Entry Visa till 2019. I went to the United States on Feb 25, 2009 and came back to the Philippines August 21, 2009. While in the States I was granted an extension to stay in the U.S. till Feb 2010, but I still decided to come home to the Philippines. Now, I would like to go back to the U.S. on November 8, 2009 to spend Thanksgiving with my Husband and my In-Laws. Will they give me a hard time at the Port Of Entry? Are there documents that I should bring to show the officer at the POE?

I came to the US on a B1 visa got it changed to F1-->finsihed 4 years of undergrad moved on to 2 years of Masters(both in engineering). I am yet to apply for OPT. Is this going to affect my chances due to the entry method; also what will happen if I get a company that want to sponspor me. Would you advise me to go back home to rectify my visa situation. Because the B1 visa I entered the country with is expired, I haven't travelled out of the country. What would you suggest I proceed about this.I really would love to go back home to visit but scared the consulate will deny me.
Confused as ever.

I am a citizen of Nigeria and presently studying in China with a resident permit but my friend wants me to visit him in the States and he has sent all the necessary documents for me to apply for a visa. I would like to know if I need a travelling experience to apply for US visa when Iam in China.

I am a citizen of U.S. and had send the support documents. When my mother in law went for an interview they denied the visa because she stayed legally with the extension of three months in 1999 . After that she came to visit us in 2004 she went back by six months. At that time she got 10 years visa in 1998 multiple. My question is can they deny the visa without seeing the support documents.

I came back from states in 2003. I had mulitiple b1/b2 visa that was expired in 2006. Now, if I apply again so what are the chances? Can I get multiple visa again?

I came to America 4 months ago. Am I eligible to send a visitor visa for my sister and her family? What should I do? Do I need a good financial credit?

I have been away from my fiance for a year now. I was planning to either apply for a B2 and after it for a F1. Since my Spanish passport applies into the VWP, can I still apply for a B2? If so, should I mention the real reason why I want the visa?I just want to spend time with him, as we still have 4 yrs ahead till he can apply for citizenship.

I was voluntary deported from USA for over staying my b2 visa for almost 3 years ! What do I need to do to apply for the b2 visa again ( i am going for a medical reason )

Q1. How to Assist Family Members in Applying for B-2 (Visitors/Tourist) Visa?

Q2. In filling out Form I-134 form (Affidavit of Support), If you look at the question No.1. It says are your Citizen...., or permanent resident of US. It has no column says are you H1B etc. What should I do here. Should I leave this column or do something else please guide me.

My mother entered US with a valid visa in June 5 and got 3 months stay (until Sep 5) as per I-94. Her visa has expired 2 months (Aug 5) after she entered in the US and now we're planning to file for I-94 extension but we're not sure if the visa should be valid (not-expired) for I-94 extension. Can someone please advice?

I applied extension for my mother, reason being she had a fracture 6 weeks before and was advised bed rest for 4 weeks. So I applied for extension and received I-797C in the mail (paid $300). Since I had requested 3 months ext, I rescheduled her departure date (luckily I bought 1 yr ticket, thx to my agent) and she left before 3 mos. I did not receive anything in the mail till then.Now, 3 days ago I got a letter from USCIS VT stating it is denied/abandoned as they did not receive any evidence supporting the app, file I-290B before Aug 23rd which has filing fee of $585!!! ouch. What can I do?

I have a friend whose an oversea worker and was assigned in Thailand,wants to visit me in San Francisco, CA. Is it possible for him to apply for a B-2 visa? What are the requirements? How much is the fee?

I have been here in US for last eight years. I finished both my undergrad and grad degrees and presently under AOS based on skilled worker. My parents had applied for visitor visas on my three graduations, gradation of my wife, but got denied everytime. They showed enough balance and my father is a contractor. Should I give up my hope?

I have a B1,B2 visa issued in 1992, valid "indefinitley", allowing me to stay in the US for up to 6 months. Is this visa still valid today?

I have a B2 visa until Jan 2012. I had an approved H1 visa last year while I am here in the USA. But I have to get it from my home country , while my I-94 has expired already. As advised, I won't be able to come back since I overstayed my allowable I-94 duration. Being out-of-status already, what else can I do to make my stay here legalized? Can another employer like a school provide sponsorship?

My parents came to US in 2009 to visit me. The effective date on I-94 form allowed them to stay in US for 7 months. After they left US, customer collected the forms and left no evidences about the effective date approved by immigration officer at customer in SFO airport. Now, they were rejected for new visa application to come to US due to this problem. How should we work it out with visa officer for this problem?

May B-1/B-2, E-1, E-2, F-1, H-1, J-1, L-1 O-1 visa or TN holder apply for green card?

1) I am a US Citizen. My parents (or spouse/spouse-to-be) are in USA on visitors visa. Can I apply for their green card? How does it all work?

2) My parents' I-130 application is currently pending. They are currently living in their home country, India. Can they visit me during the pendency of the green card application?

3) Is it better to apply for adjustment of status or consular processing for the last step of their green card?

4) Updated FAQ - My parent came to US with B1 visa and they are still here. But the visa were expired several years ago. Now I am a citizen, I wonder if I can still apply for green card for them. Could I apply by myself or need to consult with a lawyer?

I entered the US on a B1/B2 visa in febuary 2007, and then changed my status to F1 in May 2007. I enrolled into a 1 year certificate diploma program and started attending school in June 2007. I completed the program and in Fall 2008, I transfered and enrolled into a Master's program at a prestigious university. I have completed 1 year of study and I am half way through the program. I am intending to visit my home country this summer. I would like to know the procedure to obtain the F1 visa stamping. I wish to travel and come back while I am a student. I have obtained my SSN and my Driver's License as well. I have also signed a lease for my apt for the next 1 year. I have always maintained legal status till date. I have working on campus for the last 6 months. I would like to know about the chances of getting my visa stamped before coming back to continue my studies. I am very confused listening to people and I really need some good advice. Its been close to 3 years now and I really wish i can get to see my family back home. I will really appreciate any advices and help. I dont know what kind of questions will be asked in the interview. Also the probability or obtaining the visa stamp. Please tell me what is the best way to approach this and the best thing that I can do.

I filed I-130 for my parents in April 09 which is still pending. They have 5 years multiple visa and they been here 4-5 times already. Is it ok for them to visit for a month again while their I-130 is still in pending status?

Our employee XYZ has arrived in the US. However, it appears that because of the job market in the US, he is going to return home to his old job. I know you said they are allowed to return back to USA at a later date if they choose to work for us down the road. But my question is how long may he stay without getting paid until he must return home? I know you sent me information about benching, stating:

Q. What is the law regarding the benching of H-1 holding employees?
A. The law does NOT permit benching without full salary payment by the employer. The only exception is that when an employer first hires an employee on H-1B they are allowed an initial period of 30 or 60 days during which the employee does not have to be paid while on bench.
i. If the employee is currently in USA and adjusts status or transfers from one employer to another within USA - the bench-without-pay period is 60 days from the date of approval of the petition by INS.
ii. If the employee is entering USA from abroad, the period is 30 days from the date of entry into USA.

If I'm interpreting this correctly, we must pay him no later than day 30 of his arrival here in the USA?

Here's the situation: LPR wife is pregnant, currently visiting her in-laws overseas. The LPR husband will travel overseas later to see his parents and both husband and wife will travel back to U.S together. The couple wants to invite husband's mother who has been rejected twice for a visit visa for tourism purposes. Last rejection was more than a year ago.

My question is that i have just entered USA on B1 /B2 visa on February 21 and sir now I am planning to stay here in USA...I am planning to carry on my further studies in Bridgeport university my arrival is for 3 months and I want to complete this procedure as soon as possible because I don't want to take the law in my hands

After a long-term relationship, earlier this year I married a U.S. citizen. I do not want to change my immigration status and do not wish to immigrate nor reside permanently in the United States since we both have steady jobs outside the U.S. and I do not want to leave my country. All I want is to be able to travel temporarily into the U.S. for pleasure and leisure as most tourists do, once or twice a year for a couple of weeks each time.

I want to know if I can just apply for a new B-1/B-2 tourist visa to travel into the U.S. or if my husband needs to file an I-130 petition for alien relative and I-129 and K visa thereafter instead –which I understand would be the right process if I ever wanted to adjust status or become a U.S. permanent resident.

I have a tourist visa to the US which expires in 2009. However, back in 2004, i was able to obtain a F-1 visa for MBA studies. It expired in 2006 and my stay was extended through practical training. I have all necessary documents supporting that. My question is, will I still be able to use my tourist visa until the March 2009 expiration?