When can my mother return?

[Tilia 75]

Hello!

 

My mother is visiting me on a tourist visa. She was granted a 6 month stay, but she will be returning home in September, after being in the US for 4 months.

 

I was wondering when she might be allowed to come for a second trip? Do I have to wait for at least 6 months past September, so Aprilish of 2018? I know they don't like to see that you stay in the US for more than 6 months during a year, but I don't know when the year beings. Is it when you step foot in the US (so for my mom it would be May 2017-May 2018), or is it a calendar year?

 

Thank you!

[geowrian 22,338]

You're overthinking this.

 

It's not about a calendar year. And there is no fixed time that she has to be outside of the US. CBP will look at the totality of her circumstances and make a decision on if she is abusing (or is likely to abuse) the visa by living in the US instead of just visiting. This could be, theoretically, one day outside the US before returning. However, a general rule of thumb is to spend more time outside the US as in it. Twice as long is preferable.

Edited June 14, 2017 by geowrian