B2 visa - longer and when it starts

[JonathanL 0]

Planning to go to the States with my US wife for 10 months while she studies a masters. It appears my best option is a B-2.

I've seen mentions on here of B-2 visas longer than 6 months, how do they work or am I best off taking the 6 months and then going for a short extension?

Also how are the visa start and end dates decided? Is it part of the application process to give a start date or is it decided when I first go through a POE?

Oh and as an aside, what is my best option for travel insurance for that period? I don't expect to get ill but I know the US is not great if you do.

Edited April 16, 2012 by JonathanL

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

I don't think your best option is a B2. First of all, you will need to obtain the B2, which is a visa for tourism only, not living in the US for 10 months. Add to that the fact that you have a USC wife, you are able to travel for tourism purposes for up to 90 days on the Visa Waiver Program, and that you are planning to be in the US longer than the 6 months allowed by a B2, it doesn't seem to add up. I am not convinced you'd be successful in obtaining the visa in the first place. If you got it, you could still be denied at the border.

Next, the B2 would only give you 6 months initially, and you would need to apply for an extension, which may very well be denied (and you would have to leave). Furthermore, if you want to travel home for a bit, you will probably not be able to return to the US, due to the fact you would have just spent months in the US.

I personally think the best option is a spousal visa, applied through the consulate in London (which goes fast fast). This is assuming your wife currently lives in the UK. When you are done living in the US you can return your Greencard. Good luck.

Edited April 16, 2012 by Harpa Timsah

[JonathanL 0]

Problem with spousal (from the research I did at least) is that it takes at least six months to apply for. I want to be in the States first week of September if I possibly can and don't intend to stay in the US after her studies.

I also pretty much will be a tourist as I don't intend to work while over there and will be living in my parents-in-laws basement.

I agree the six months is a stumbling block but then at worst I have to come back in March instead of June which will give me time to start looking at housing and jobs in the UK before my wife finishes her course in early May.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Look into filing directly through the consulate. That takes weeks. This is possible if your wife resides in the UK and meets some criteria. You should be able to make it by September easy. if she doesn't qualify for Direct Consular Filing (DCF) there is another option too, which I won't explain here just yet (it has to do with an auto-expedite queue for USC spouses who reside abroad).

September sounds very doable for a spousal visa. Options abound!

Regarding insurance, your wife's school should provide some subsidized insurance for her, and you can be added as a dependent.

Edited April 16, 2012 by Harpa Timsah

[JonathanL 0]

Ok, will certainly look into it. Do you have answers for my original questions?