B2 visa 6 month validity expires before flight home!

[Michael McHugh]

So I have a issue with my B2 Visa. I arrived in USA June 16, stayed in USA for one week, then left for Canada on June 23 for work. I arrived back in USA on the October 5, and was told that my B2 visa will expire December 16. I have a flight booked to leave the country January 6th. What should i do? I'm a little stressed about the situation, and confused, as I'm not going to be in USA for the whole 6 months (only about 3 of the 6 months). Is it worth crossing the border at Tijuana for a few days or will that look suss? Or should I apply for an extension? I am an Australian born citizen and have no aspirations to work in USA. Any help would be very appreciate!

Thanks,

Michael

[Nattybone]

Hello, Michael.

Please try to not overstay your visa. People are given tough time even for a couple of days' extra stay (which was caused by things like confusion in itinerary planning) and yours is a good 20 odd day overstay.

You could change your flight - they charge some amount - depending upon the airline.

If something else occurs to you, go ahead. But, do not risk overstaying. (Also, i doubt if you will get response in time to an extension petition).

Wishing you luck. Personal opinion.

Cheers,

So I have a issue with my B2 Visa. I arrived in USA June 16, stayed in USA for one week, then left for Canada on June 23 for work. I arrived back in USA on the October 5, and was told that my B2 visa will expire December 16. I have a flight booked to leave the country January 6th. What should i do? I'm a little stressed about the situation, and confused, as I'm not going to be in USA for the whole 6 months (only about 3 of the 6 months). Is it worth crossing the border at Tijuana for a few days or will that look suss? Or should I apply for an extension? I am an Australian born citizen and have no aspirations to work in USA. Any help would be very appreciate!

Thanks,

Michael

[vizach]

As far as I know, visa validity and status validity is different in US law. For them, visa is just a travel document and as such does not confer any status. When you get stamped, they confer a B2 status upon you which usually has a 6-month validity. Can you check the return date on your I-94 form? Official explanation: http://travel.state.gov/contenthttps...tion-date.html

Additionally, the visa expiration date shown on your visa does not reflect how long you are authorized to stay within the United States. Entry and the length of authorized stay within the United States are determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at the port-of-entry each time you travel.

So, I think you should be fine.

Something does not add up about your situation, though. As an Australian citizen, you could use ESTA... so why would you use a B2 visa?