Single Entry Visa

[Maudereese 3]

I haven't applied yet but if in case I'm given a single entry b2 visa valid for 6 months, how soon do I need to leave? Or is it anytime between that 6 months but must return prior to expiry? I plan on applying this June 2017 but I dont intend to fly until 2nd week of December for Christmas.

How about for multiple entry b2 visa? Thank you!

[Eric-Pris 1,606]

Do they even exist?  I'm no visa expert, but I have never heard anybody getting a single entry b2. 

[geowrian 22,337]

You won't know the exact timeframe that you will need to leave until you go through POE. You need to enter before the visa expires. Upon entry, you will get an I-94 stamp in your passport, which will include the date you need to leave by. If no date is printed, then it defaults to 6 months. Upon entry, the visa's expiration doesn't matter...only the I-94 stamp. This applies to both single entry and multiple entry visas.

 

8 minutes ago, Eric-Pris said:

Do they even exist?  I'm no visa expert, but I have never heard anybody getting a single entry b2. 

Yup, it exists.

[jan22 3,055]

5 minutes ago, Eric-Pris said:

Do they even exist?  I'm no visa expert, but I have never heard anybody getting a single entry b2. 

Yes, they exist. The number of entries and m I nths/years is at the discretion of the c I sugar officer, up to the maximum allowed by the reciprocity of the hist country.  While the majority of visas are for either 5 or 10 years, there are exceptions.  For example, the maximum that can be issued to a Cuban citizen on a B1/B2 visa is one entry, six months.  You can check the maximum for any country at  https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/fees/reciprocity-by-country.html.

 

In answer to the original question,  the dates of validity of the visa are the dates on which you can go to the US and apply to enter.  The amount of time you can then stay is determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry.  So, if your visa is valid until December 31, for example, you can travel to the US on December 31 and if you are admitted into the country, you can then stay as long as the immigration officer says -- usually up to a maximum of the 6 months.  Once in the US, it doesn't matter that the visa has expiredd,  as long as you are within the time granted to you when you entered.

[Maudereese 3]

7 hours ago, geowrian said:

You won't know the exact timeframe that you will need to leave until you go through POE. You need to enter before the visa expires. Upon entry, you will get an I-94 stamp in your passport, which will include the date you need to leave by. If no date is printed, then it defaults to 6 months. Upon entry, the visa's expiration doesn't matter...only the I-94 stamp. This applies to both single entry and multiple entry visas.

Thank you! Then I can apply as early as now.

[Maudereese 3]

8 hours ago, jan22 said:

Yes, they exist. The number of entries and m I nths/years is at the discretion of the c I sugar officer, up to the maximum allowed by the reciprocity of the hist country.  While the majority of visas are for either 5 or 10 years, there are exceptions.  For example, the maximum that can be issued to a Cuban citizen on a B1/B2 visa is one entry, six months.  You can check the maximum for any country at  https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/fees/reciprocity-by-country.html.

 

In answer to the original question,  the dates of validity of the visa are the dates on which you can go to the US and apply to enter.  The amount of time you can then stay is determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry.  So, if your visa is valid until December 31, for example, you can travel to the US on December 31 and if you are admitted into the country, you can then stay as long as the immigration officer says -- usually up to a maximum of the 6 months.  Once in the US, it doesn't matter that the visa has expiredd,  as long as you are within the time granted to you when you entered.

Thank you. How long is the usual and minimum validity of single entry visa? 

[jan22 3,055]

53 minutes ago, Maudereese said:

Thank you. How long is the usual and minimum validity of single entry visa? 

It is at the discretion of the officer if it's not a matter of reciprocity.  Most single entries are issued for three or six months.

Edited May 9, 2017 by jan22

[kzielu 1,149]

20 hours ago, Eric-Pris said:

Do they even exist?  I'm no visa expert, but I have never heard anybody getting a single entry b2. 

Yes, they do, I had one very long time ago, right after 9/11 - going for business trip they gave single entry, 3 months validity.

[f f 725]

as long as you state the purpose for your visit and desired time frame. I would assume if they give you a visa it would be valid for that time frame. or you can simply not use the visa and apply for a new one closer to your needed dates and just let the other one expire.