Going to the US as a tourist for six months

We are a retired couple (75 & 70) who want to do a house swap in the US for tourism purposes of just under six months (it will be registered with Homeexchange.com). Can we enter on a VWP, stay for three months, have a two-week trip to South America, and then come back to our home swap for another 90 days before returning to Australia? Or do we have to apply for a six-month B1/B2 visa - and can we get one for this purpose?

visas usa

Best Answer

I'd recommend applying for a visa, so you can explain the intended purpose of your visit. You say that you intend to enter the U.S. for three months, then leave for two weeks, and then return again for another three months. While this is technically legal under the Visa Waiver Program, this will raise some eyebrows from immigration officials the second time you enter, as they may believe that you're trying to keep residence in the U.S. by leaving on short stays.

When applying for a visa, you can explain in advance to consular officers the intended purpose of your two visits to the U.S., so that they can issue your visa on that basis. Likely, if they decide to issue you a visa, they will issue you a visa that allows for multiple entries, so you'll have a much easier time at U.S. immigration.

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Can I visit USA for 6 months?

When you enter the U.S., a customs officer will give you authorization to stay in the U.S. for up to six months. If you'd like to stay for longer, you may be able to apply to extend this for up to one year.

How can I stay in America for 6 months?

The only way to stay in the US for more than 90 days is to obtain a B1/B2 visa, which will allow you to stay up to 6 months. However in general the US is relatively strict regarding granting B1/B2 visas to people who are otherwise eligible to use the Visa Waiver Program (which allows for stays up to 90 days).

How long can a tourist stay in USA per year?

What should I know about the US Tourist visa validity? The B1/B2 Visa is valid for 10 years, but for each entry, you are allowed to stay in the United States of American only for 180 days or 6 months (at most).

What is the maximum stay in the US with a tourist visa?

This visa (The B1/B2 Visa) is valid for 10 years, but it allows you to stay within 180 days in the U.S. for each entry.

HOW B1 OR B2 VISA HOLDER GETS ANOTHER 6 MONTHS IN USA

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