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Posted Jan 3rd, 2012
Will i be denied entry to USA?

Additional Details:
I have traveled twice before to the US, once in 2005 and stayed for 3 months on a tourist visa and
another time in late 2009 and stayed for a year also on a new tourist visa. The second time i had 6
months on my i-94 but i applied for an extension and it was approved, and i left 1 day before the
new expiry date, so i did not overstay. I want to travel for 3 months but i am worried if my
previous long stay may be a reason to deny me entry.
Legal Topic Area: Immigration in NY

The mere fact that you remained in the country for a one year period should not alone result in the denial of your entry. However, it could cause the government to question you more carefully than they might otherwise about the purpose of your US visit, and they may also question you about your prior stays. If they suspect that you engaged or will engage in activities not permissible on a tourist visa, such as working, they could deny you admission. It is a good idea to bring with you proof of your ties to your home country (such as a job letter, school enrollment letter, proof of property ownership, etc) and proof of sufficient financial means to cover your stay in the US (such as a bank statement) to address, if necessary, any concerns the government may have about whether you intend to immigrate or engage in unauthorized activities in the US. This all having been said, most problems tend to arise when foreigners try returning to the US after a short absence, which does not seem to be the case here.

Please be advised that the above is intended to be for informational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice.


Answered on Jan 5th, 2012 at 11:27pm