USA Tourist Visa: Duration of Stay at Entry Point

If you're entering the USA on a tourist visa (B-2 visa), the length of time you're allowed to stay is determined by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. Typically, they may grant you a stay of up to 6 months.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Duration of Stay:

The CBP officer will stamp your passport with an entry date and a ""admit until"" date, which is the date by which you must leave the U.S. This can be anywhere from a few weeks to 6 months, depending on your circumstances and the officer's assessment.

2. Extensions:

If you wish to stay longer than the initial period granted (usually up to 6 months), you can apply for an extension of stay before your current stay expires. Extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis, but you must show valid reasons for the extension and demonstrate that you can financially support yourself during the extended stay.

3. Purpose of Stay:

Keep in mind that a tourist visa is for tourism, leisure, or visiting family/friends, and not for activities like studying or working. If you intend to engage in these activities, you would need to apply for the appropriate visa.

Always make sure to leave the U.S. by the authorized date to avoid overstaying, which could result in penalties or difficulties with future visa applications.