B-2 Visa

CBP and 180-day admission period for B-2 visitor

Question details

1. If an alien is otherwise admissible as a B-2 visitor for pleasure, isn't it true that a CBP officer should not limit the admission of that alien to 180 days in a twelve-month period?

2. Assuming an individual is otherwise eligible for admission, isn't it true that eligibility for admission as a visitor is determined by the nature and expected duration of the intended activity in the U.S.?

3. What is the training that is given to CBP officers to reinforce that B-2 visitors may lawfully be admitted for an aggregate period in excess of 180 days in a twelve-month period?

1. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) indicates that, if an alien applicant is otherwise admissible as a B-2 visitor, and passport validity requirements are met, the applicant can be issued more than one 180-day admission period in a 12-month period.  

Guestbook Entry for Mita, United States

Name
Mita
Country
United States
State
Missouri
Comment

 I have worked with Mr. Khanna' Law Firm for over 12 years now, in many ways, either through having my questions answered (when I was still a student), to getting my work visa done, or most recently, for visitor' visa inquiries / clarifications. Mr. Khanna and his team, have ALWAYS provided me with their valuable time and advice very graciously. Their 15 minutes of a conference call time to answer / address a question / issue, mean a lot to people who are on the receiving end. While there are many Lawyers / Attorneys who provide such services to their communities, I hardly know of ANY Law Firm who do so regularly, have done so for many, many years, and will continue to provide such services even in the future, including to those who are NOT their clients. There could be many instances when an individual is not able to pay the consultation fees. If it is not an abuse of his time and a genuine, sincere request has been made, Mr. Khanna and team WILL work out a way to provide those consultation services free of cost. Why so? Because, this is THEIR PASSION, ... to help people in the community. I personally admire this gesture and professionalism. 

Very recently, I had specific and some general questions regarding B-2 visa RFE's for my Mother, who has been here under medical and humanitarian grounds, for quite a few years . This being the 2nd RFE that I have received, put me into some worries, questioning the Agency' motives as to why such RFE' after so long when all the required documents were handed to USCIS each time the application/petition was sent for a renewal. Clearly the Agency wants to get a clear picture about my Mother' health condition, and the costs associated with that and who is paying for her support so that she doesn't become a public burden. Her health condition doesn't allow for her to travel and the notion of her separation from me, due of the care that I give to her, makes her physical condition worse. Not to mention, that the most recent economic downturn has put me into some dire situations, conditions to provide for medical support. She did receive state' help for her medical expenses recently. I'm worried for this situation, which I wasn't earlier. It was for this reason, I contacted Mr. Khanna, and he provided me with his valuable answers, the best approach to answer such RFE, and what to do next.

I CANNOT thank Mr. Khanna and his whole team much. It was so nice to have talked with Rena W. after many years, and to know that some of the team members, like Ana B. with whom I had worked earlier, are still there, providing their excellent services.

I was first referred to Mr. Khanna by one of  my friends, who also got his work visa and permanent residency done through Mr. Khanna. I can certainly refer anyone, to Mr. Khanna' Immigration Offices, to receive excellent and prompt services, anytime, without any hesitation.

Thank you for all that you do, for the community and its people. My very best wishes.

 

Guestbook Entry for Sneha, United States

Name
Sneha
Country
United States
State
Philadelphia
Comment

Hi, I first of all like to appreciate the generosity of Mr Rajiv in replying to my email within 15min and then giving the phone conference appointment for no cost since I am a student. He is definitely a great person who really makes an effort to sort out others issues. I contacted him to know how my mom who already have visitor visa, can stay in US on continous basis as my dad recently passed away and I am the only child. I knew what he had suggested others who were on H1 visas and had same issues (by listening to the record of past tele conferences), but wanted to confirm his opinion in my case. He said that I can also do visitor visa extensions in lieu of F2 visas, but he was hesitant as how would I support the medical expense. I understand his concern, but I would be contacting him again as I really want this to work for my mom. Anyhow, I am really thankful to him and his staff for being so supportive and understanding. Wish the entire team good luck and high success.

B-2 to B-1

Question details

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?

I believe you can take training on B-2 as long as your main purpose of stay in USA is is still medical treatment. Getting paid may be a bad idea.

B-2 (Visitors or Tourist) visa Extensions for an investor and for a parent

We have received two interesting  B-2 extensions.  It has been my view that under certain circumstances  B-2 can and should be permitted by USCIS to be used even where the applicant has an immigrant intent or is otherwise staying longer than usual in USA.  Apparently, USCIS agrees.

Nonimmigrant Visas

Green Card

B2 visa and change of status

Question details

I am currently in the U.S. with B2 visa. Can a company that intents to hire me, apply for a work permit on my behalf and change my status while I am in the U.S.?

You can, but it is almost never a good idea to convert from a B to a longer term visa. Please discuss the consequences with your lawyers.

B2 visa to green card

Question details

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?

The answer to both your questions is - yes. But you MUST speak with a lawyer to understand all the nuances of her case.

B-2 Visa Multiple destination

Question details

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?

As long as the visa is valid and permits multiple entries (not all visas do), I see no problem.

B-2 Visa

Question details

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?

Getting a B-2 visa for a single person tends to be very difficult. If you meet him once, you can get him here on a Fiance (K-1) visa. That is much better if you want to get married.