Hey everyone,
I know that not many people here have experience with US visas, but I just thought I'd throw this out there, just in case anyone has any thoughts.
I have a US visitor visa (B2), valid until November 5th 2011. I've just been to the US for 2 weeks to visit my aunt, but my mum wants me to go out there again with her later this year (it's her sister who lives there). Thing is, she can only afford to go in the off-peak time, which is around October/November - right around the time my visa expires.
On the US embassy website FAQs (
http://london.usembassy.gov/faq-visa-gen.html#niv116) it states that the visa validity period is for entry to the US only - the actual permission given to stay in the US is determined by the IO at the border... which means that potentially I could enter the US before November 5th, and still be stamped in for 6 months (the usual length of time for a B2 visitor).
However, as I'm used to discussing UK visitor visas, which are only valid until the expiry date and you become an overstayer if your visa expires during your visit, I'm wary of travelling with only a couple of weeks left on my visa... I don't want to be refused entry because it will expire while I am there (or to travel at the beginning of November and only be stamped in until 5th)!
I'm trying to decide whether I should risk it, or play it safe and just get a new visa before travelling again. The cautious part of me thinks I should just reapply for a new visa (especially if there's a chance I might travel after 5th November), but then I also think, why bother spending the time and money on it if I don't need to? ($140 for the visa, £1.20/min phone call to book the appointment, travel costs to London for the interview, taking a day off work for the interview).
Just remembered though, that when I entered the US the other week, I was stamped in until December 23rd 2011, despite the visa expiring in November, so maybe it's not so much of a risk.
Another semi-related question: Does anyone know if the US Embassy in London is open for visa appointments on Saturdays? I've applied for 3 US visas in the past and have had all my interviews mid-week, but I can't remember if that was because they were closed on Saturdays or if those were the only dates I could get.
