"Renewing" tourist visa stay

[jojolicious 38]

An extension is your safest bet if you want your MIL to use her tourist visa ever again in the future. The CBP officers have a record of every arrival and departure. Staying in the US for a year practically makes it her residence and that's not the purpose of her visa.

[Boiler 46,005]

The only problem is that you need a valid reason, none has been mentioned.

[canadian_wife 1,827]

We have verified that she can enter Mexico without requiring anything more than her Romanian passport. When she returns into the USA after eating a few enchiladas in Mexico, she still has some days left before her Tourist Visa 6-month stay period is over. Her Tourist Visa is good for 10 years.

Would she be denied re-entry into the USA?

When she re-enters, does she get another 6 months in the USA?

If not, how long does she need to sit and drink tequila in Mexico before she can re-enter and get another 6 months?

Anybody know where the rules are on this (how long before you can re-enter?) on the USCIS page? I can't find it.

We're not trying to make her an illegal immigrant--we're just trying to buy a little more time before we can arrange a suitable living/healthcare situation for her back in Romania, because she is currently experiencing very bad health. If we boot her back to Bucharest now, my wife would have to return just to care for her.

Do you think you're the first person to have tried this? The CBP will be on to you. They may permit her entry but likely only to the 1st authorized stay date.

She might be denied entry, upon which time she'll have to remain in Mexico or return to Romania. It is up to the CBP how long she needs to be out of the US before she attempts re-entry. Some say 6 months, some say a year. It is not likely, if denied entry, she can sit in Mexico and drink tequila for a short time and be expected allowed another 6 months.

No, 6 months allowance in the US is not automatic. She may have a tourist visa good for 10 years but they may only authorize her stay for 2 weeks, 3 days, whatever. It is up to them to use their discretion. Remember, if she is denied entry, they may cancel her tourist visa - which makes your future plans of having her in the US much much more difficult

Please think this plan through

Good luck

[Burebista 3]

We got the extension I539 approval last week, so she can stay another 6 months. Glad we didn't try the Mexico-Border-Hop.

Now we wonder how long she will need to stay out of North America before she can return, since her Visa is good for 10 years. Couldn't find that info on the USCIS site.

[Boiler 46,005]

At least a year.

Renewing could be interesting.

[Burebista 3]

At least a year.

Renewing could be interesting.

Her visa is good for 10 years, so is "renewing" the right word? And "at least one year"...sources?

Thanks!

Edited April 3, 2012 by Burebista

[Boiler 46,005]

I see you have 2 threads going. She is a visitor so would spent less time visiting than living at her abode.

QED

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

We got the extension I539 approval last week, so she can stay another 6 months. Glad we didn't try the Mexico-Border-Hop.

Now we wonder how long she will need to stay out of North America before she can return, since her Visa is good for 10 years. Couldn't find that info on the USCIS site.

There is no official time for staying out, but the rule of thumb is that, as a visitor, she is supposed to stay outside the country more than being inside, so should stay outside at least a year to ensure a smooth entry next time.