Duration of visitor visa

[thuctapvutdb]

Hi all - happy holidays!
2 quick clarifying questions for those of you who have experience with visitor visas:
how long and how many entries is the standard visitor visa good for? I've heard 10 years, multi-entry, but unclear as to whether this is the default or if the consulate can opt for different configurations? If the latter, is there somewhere in the paperwork to request the desired length, etc.?

Will a visitor visa indicate specific travel dates, for example valid April 1- May 1? Or is it open, for example good for entry up to 6 months any time after April 1? We don't yet have confirmed dates for the housewarming that we're hoping to have my mother-in-law attend, but would like to get a jump on the visa process. I realize that we'll have to provide a travel itinerary for the application, but wondering whether the visa will be tied specifically to the dates provided.
Thanks in advance for your wisdom!
Cheers

[roychoudhury@houston]

Hi all - happy holidays!
2 quick clarifying questions for those of you who have experience with visitor visas:
how long and how many entries is the standard visitor visa good for? I've heard 10 years, multi-entry, but unclear as to whether this is the default or if the consulate can opt for different configurations? If the latter, is there somewhere in the paperwork to request the desired length, etc.?

Will a visitor visa indicate specific travel dates, for example valid April 1- May 1? Or is it open, for example good for entry up to 6 months any time after April 1? We don't yet have confirmed dates for the housewarming that we're hoping to have my mother-in-law attend, but would like to get a jump on the visa process. I realize that we'll have to provide a travel itinerary for the application, but wondering whether the visa will be tied specifically to the dates provided.
Thanks in advance for your wisdom!
Cheers

10 year multi entry is a very normal visitor's Visa. You can enter as many times during the 10 year period and the duration of stay (normally 6 months) is given at the point of entry. Please make sure she doesn't overstay.

[DixieBaker]

Visa from India

10 year multi entry is a very normal visitor's Visa. You can enter as many times during the 10 year period and the duration of stay (normally 6 months) is given at the point of entry. Please make sure she doesn't overstay.

If I understand you correctly, a travel visa from let's say India is good for a 10 year period with short stays in USA and returning to India. I am trying to sponsor someone for work and H1B is way too long. Thinking this would be perfect to get around it.

[Trinity71]

If I understand you correctly, a travel visa from let's say India is good for a 10 year period with short stays in USA and returning to India. I am trying to sponsor someone for work and H1B is way too long. Thinking this would be perfect to get around it.

No, that will not work. Someone who is here in the U.S. on a B1/B2 visa is not allowed to earn any income or work while here. The H1B is your only option to sponsor someone for work and it's the correct thing to do. Anything else would be illegal and/or fraud.

This is my opinion and not legal advice. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk.

Trinity71