Visa Stamp Duration

[Nakshatra]

Hi, I would like to apply for visitor visa for my parents planning to visit me in December this year. I want them to stay here for at least 5 months. This is their first international visit. I heard from many that at first attempt the visa is granted for a period of 6 months. So i was thinking of taking the interview dates somewhere in October or November. But that would be too late for booking the flight tickets. As I went through the threads here and also the visa tracker I notice that the minimum visa period granted is one year. Very very few cases of 6 months validity have been mentioned here. I would like to hear from anyone who have got visa for 6 months or lesser duration and the situation under which it was given (Is it because of first visit or whatever the other reasons you feel it was for) Also I would like to hear from other experienced members if it would be a good decision to take the visa appointment earlier, say in August or September.

Thank you in advance for your response.

[txh1b]

VO decides how long the visa can be given at the time of the interview based on their feeling if the person will return back or not. There is no set guideline.

If the VO feels there is too much chance for someone to be a potential immigrant, they will issue a shorter duration to "test". If you book in October, why is it too late to book flight tickets? Flight tickets can be blocked without a visa also for couple of weeks.

[Nakshatra]

Yes, I think I will have to book/block tickets prior to visa interview. I was just trying that I could know everything for certain before acting which I know is impossible. I guess now I will have to take a risk with either ticket booking or visa interview date. Thank you for your reply.

Though its too late I want to thank immihelp for the immense help it was during my H4 and my husband's H1 visa stamping way back in April 2007. We also follow your site for the information on adjustment of status. Thanks a bunch for all that you do and keep up the good work.