The B1/B2 visa is the most common type of non-immigrant visa for the United States. It allows visitors to enter the U.S. for short-term business (B1) or tourism (B2) purposes. However, one of the questions that applicants often ask is, «How many days a year can I stay in the U.S. with this visa?» The answer to this question can vary depending on specific circumstances.
Usually, after successfully passing an interview and receiving a B1/B2 visa, you will be granted the right to stay in the U.S. for up to 6 months (180 days) from the moment of each entry. But this doesn’t mean you can just come and stay for half a year every year. Consular and border services take into account various factors when deciding on the length of your stay.
It’s important to understand that long stays in the U.S. can raise suspicions from immigration authorities. If you spend nearly half a year in the U.S. every year, this may be interpreted as an attempt to live in the U.S. on a permanent basis, which is a violation of the conditions of a non-immigrant visa. In addition, upon each subsequent entry, border services have the right to change the length of stay indicated on your I-94 form, and this may be less than 6 months.
Also, don’t forget that to extend your stay in the U.S., you need to file the appropriate I-539 form and receive approval before the expiration date indicated on the I-94 form. The procedure takes time and requires certain financial expenses, and approval is not guaranteed.
In conclusion, although it’s theoretically possible to spend up to 180 days in the U.S. per single trip, it is highly recommended not to exceed the total length of stay within a single calendar year and to ensure that your activity is in compliance with visa conditions. When planning lengthy or multiple trips, it’s always best to consult with an immigration attorney for the most accurate and personalized information.