Duration of Stay on B1/B2

[SobN 0]

My parents have a 5-year B1/B2 visa that expires later this year. They are in Pakistan and me and siblings are in the US. They have been visiting every year and were always granted 6-month duration of stay on arrival, per the I-94, they would stay for 4-5 months only. 

Now we are planning their visit and would like them to stay for 4 months, but their B1/B2 visa validity ends 3 months after the planned entry date. Will their DoS given on arrival be only until the visa last date, or likely for a 6-month duration again? 

The US visa website says visa validity is for US entry and stay could be allowed beyond it, depending on decision of the customs officer. But not sure if we should assume this. 

Appreciate any input and prior experiences. 

 

[Dashinka 23,382]

The CBP officer will make the ultimate decision as to the length of stay, so I would keep travel plans flexible in case they only allow 2-3 months of stay.  I could not find any guidance after briefly reviewing the CBP website, so maybe they will get 6 months, maybe not.  I also could not find any relevant posts here on VJ, but someone may have some experience.

 

Good Luck!

[Pinkrlion 2,612]

CBP officer will determine. I have seen majority still give 6 months. 

[Boiler 43,759]

The end date of the visa does not impact the entry period allowed

 

They could seek entry one day before the visas expire and be granted the normal 6 months.

 

4 to 5 months visits every year may raise eyebrows but that is a different issue.

[JeanneAdil 6,257]

Visa is valid at date of entry so CBP will determine the length of stay as always

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/frequently-asked-questions/about-basics.html

My visa will expire while I am in the United States. Is there a problem with that?

 

No. If the Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection Immigration Officer at the port-of-entry admitted you into the United States for a specific period of time, s/he will note your authorized period of stay on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94, called an Arrival/Departure Record. You will be able to remain in the United States during your authorized period of stay, even if your visa expires during the time you are in the United States. Since your admission stamp or paper Form I-94 documents your authorized stay and is the official record of your permission to be in the United States, it is very important to keep inside your passport.