Help: Port of Entry

[kdm77]

Hi,

Thanks to the information and support from this site and their members, my parents got visitors visa in their second attempt. I have some questions about their travel and POE.

They asked for 3 months duration in their visa application and mentioned the same in the interview. They have received the visa for 10 year. I have some questions.

1. Since my dad is unable to come at this time, can he travel at a later time on the same visa?

2. Can my mom ask for stay of 6 months at POE? Will there be any problem at POE? This is her first visit to USA. She is planning to fly on June 15.

3. What questions can she expect at POE? She does not understand or speak English. She will be flying to Atlanta. Is there any option for a translator at Atlanta airport? Can I write a letter to the immigration officer addressing these concerns and explain her purpose of visit? I can also mention my contact numbers so that he/she can call if there is any question. How else can I prepare her for POE? Can she be denied entry if she is unable to communicate?

4. Can she buy an open ticket for return so that she can return before the expiry of her stay? Or she will have to buy a confirmed return and reschedule later if she changes her mind?

I sincerely appreciate your help.

Thanks a lot.

[huskyboy04]

1) Yes, your father can travel to the US anytime within 10 yr validity, no one keeps track of when you travel as long as you travel within the 10 yr validity.

2) Do not panic, the POE is not a place where they interview and screen people, they simply see your visa, scan your index finger, ask you where you will be staying, and yes she can simply say she would like to stay for 3 months and chances are they will give here a 6 month stay, my brother and mother recently arrived for my graduation and at POE the officer was very nice and he was joking with my brother, my brothet asked him that it will be nice if he can get a 6 month stay and the office simply stamped his passport and gave them 6 months stay.

3) Yes she can buy a ticket that is valid for 12 months (british airways) and the POE officer very rarely looks at your ticket to check dates etc unless he smells something is fishy (young guy, or person is nervous etc) in your case your mom will be fine so relax