When can my mom re-enter

[soph05]

Hi,
My mom has a 5-year multiple US visa which she acquired last Oct2005.
She arrived here in the US last Feb2006 to help me take care of my 3-month old baby. She was allowed to stay for 6 months (as stated in her I-94) however we're afraid for her to stay for more than 5 months because according to some friends of mine she might not be allowed re-entry if we want her to return by Dec2006.
- Is it ok for her to use all 6 months and be able to return before the end of the year?
- or is it best to stay for around 5 months and then return by Jan 2007?

Appreciate very much your help on this.
thanks
Soph

[HurricaneBay]

soph05,

You are unnecessarily worrying. My in-laws initially got a 3 month visa stamp at Chennai consulate. They entered US before the expiry of the stamp and got I-94 valid for 6 months. My in-laws left on the *very last* day of I-94 expiry. They went to US consulate Chennai after 4 months, got 10 year multiple entry visa and the I-94 again for stamped for 6 months when they entered US for the second time. Heck I even know of friends's parents who stayed for an year (with extension), left the country for 3 months and came back again and their I-94 was stamped for 6 months. They already had 10 year multiple entry stamp.

The only hurdle in this whole process is a valid visa stamp. Once that is in place, the I-94 duration is automatically 6 months irrespective of previous stay(s), at least in 99.99% of cases. Just make their travel plans according to your convinience, not based on rumors.

[soph05]

When can my mom re-enter

Thanks HurricaneBay.
I wasn't sure if the country where you come from has any bearing also the age of the person. Sometimes they think that people are coming back sooner because they are working on the side especially if they are not retirees.

However, based on your account it looks like there is no restriction.

thanks again.

[HurricaneBay]

If it is of any help to your analysis, both my in-laws are working and didn't have any issue with I-94.