How long can I stay in the US on a tourist visa (B-2)?

The B-2 tourist visa itself does not have a fixed validity period for staying in the US. Instead, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry determines your authorized period of stay, which is recorded on your I-94 arrival/departure record. Most B-2 visitors are admitted for up to six months.

The visa stamp in your passport has its own validity period (often 10 years for many countries) indicating how long you can use it to seek admission. But the I-94 record governs how long you can actually stay. You must leave by the date on your I-94, not the visa expiration date.

If you need more time, you can apply to extend your stay using Form I-539, ideally filed 45 days before your I-94 expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and are granted at USCIS discretion. Overstaying your I-94 results in a period of unlawful presence, which can trigger bars to future entry.

This is general information only, not legal advice. Consult a qualified immigration lawyer or registered migration agent for your specific situation.