Canadian on Automatic Visa. Staying longer than 6 Months

[seasonal89 0]

I am having a lot of confusion, I have tried to look on government websites, travel blogs and googled till I cannot google anymore. However, I just cannot find/understand an answer. I am a Canadian Citizen who works on Private Foreign Flagged Yachts, that means that 100% I am not working for any USA company or have any ties to the USA, I just happen to be in the Country. The boat that I am currently working on has been in the USA for 5 months now and it looks like its going to be quite a few months longer. I know I am allowed to be in the states for 6 months on my automatic B2 (?) Visa, but do I have to go and do a Visa Run I hear so many South African, Australians and B1/B2 Visa Foreigners talk about? Am I able to fly out for a weekend to say: Bahamas or Columbia and then renew my 6 month B2 when I re-enter the States?

Thank you for your help!

[Boiler 46,003]

What have you been doing in the US for so long?

If the boat is not ready, why do you need to come back so soon?

[canadian_wife 1,827]

If you are working on a ship, why don't you have a crewman's visa?

Good luck

[JohnR! 5,495]

I am having a lot of confusion, I have tried to look on government websites, travel blogs and googled till I cannot google anymore. However, I just cannot find/understand an answer. I am a Canadian Citizen who works on Private Foreign Flagged Yachts, that means that 100% I am not working for any USA company or have any ties to the USA, I just happen to be in the Country. The boat that I am currently working on has been in the USA for 5 months now and it looks like its going to be quite a few months longer. I know I am allowed to be in the states for 6 months on my automatic B2 (?) Visa, but do I have to go and do a Visa Run I hear so many South African, Australians and B1/B2 Visa Foreigners talk about? Am I able to fly out for a weekend to say: Bahamas or Columbia and then renew my 6 month B2 when I re-enter the States?

Thank you for your help!

It all depends on how you were admitted into the US. If you came on a ship as crew and was admitted as a crewman your I-94 should contain the date up until which you must leave the US and in this case, you will need to contact USCIS if you are planning to stay longer than permitted.

If you entered the US using your B2 visa, you are already breaking the law, even if you are not working for a US company. B2 visas allow you to enter the US on tourism only. If you have a B1/B2 visa, and were admitted on business - B1 - you can file an extension with the USCIS, which is no guarantee that you will receive it.

The solution you are seeking is the preferred visa fraud route taken by many who end up having trouble and deported. The USCIS has records of entries and departures, so if you come back to the US a couple of days after a six-month stay chances are you will get in trouble.

The best course of action a this point is that you speak with your employer so that your company can address your situation.

Good luck!