Hubby arrived!

[Delicia 1]

My husband arrived via LAX with dog in tow (another long story I can get into later). But, for the first time ever, the US Immigration at Toronto only gave him 30 days on his B1/B2 visa. Every other trip in the 23,987 trips he has made to the U.S. since he got that B1/B2 in 2001, he was granted 6 months. Is there a way to extend his I-94 while he is in the states and pick up the rest of the max time allowed (5 months)?

Thanks for your help!

[Sprailenes 47]

I don't know the answer to your question delicia but I just want to say I am happy you and your husband are finally together.

[trailmix 77]

Yay! the group is together!

He can apply for an extension using form I-539 (the filing fee is $300)

You can find info on where to mail it here

[Delicia 1]

Thanks for the links. I might actually do an Info-Pass for the extension.

My husband is leaning more towards leaving prior to the end date of the current I-94 rather than trying to extend it. He is thinking that the extension will be denied since he is a pending-immigrant. He doesn't want a denial on his record to try to waive away. He also thinks that filing for an extension might make it more difficult to get back into the U.S. at a later date (if he does need to return to Canada for an extended time). He wants to fly back to Toronto, spend a week or 2 there and then return and hope for a) granted access and b ) a 6-month visa.

I am concerned that if he does leave, he might not ever get back into the U.S. until the IR-1 is approved (yes, dramatic, but not far reached), so I prefer the extension route.

Anyone want to opine on this?

[IR5FORMUMSIE 850]

Thanks for the links. I might actually do an Info-Pass for the extension.

My husband is leaning more towards leaving prior to the end date of the current I-94 rather than trying to extend it. He is thinking that the extension will be denied since he is a pending-immigrant. He doesn't want a denial on his record to try to waive away. He also thinks that filing for an extension might make it more difficult to get back into the U.S. at a later date (if he does need to return to Canada for an extended time). He wants to fly back to Toronto, spend a week or 2 there and then return and hope for a) granted access and b ) a 6-month visa.

I am concerned that if he does leave, he might not ever get back into the U.S. until the IR-1 is approved (yes, dramatic, but not far reached), so I prefer the extension route.

Anyone want to opine on this?

I think your logic is sound. A denial of an extension might have a bit more substance/odium than a refusal of entry. Having said (posted?) that, denials and refusals have virtually no bearing on the requirement for a waiver. I am concerned about the frequency of trips to the US, that will certainly cause some consternation on the part of CBP and a possible refusal of entry. I'm in agreement with you there, maybe someone on VJ has had some experience with obtaining an extension and can tell you what problems, if any, they might have encountered.

And, of course, congrats on having DH with you. Now at least, you won't have to take out the garbage.

Edited June 30, 2008 by IR5FORMUMSIE