East Coast to LA

[viking]

Thanks guys

I will look into the NAtional Geo map, good idea. thanks for the book tip. to answer the question about Oz im flying into Perth as my buddy lives in Freemantle. Hey lifemagician did you have any problems keep driving into mexico and back to get stamped for another 6 months as I know you have to leave the north america to get the 6 months again. any tips would be great as I may be able to extent my trip to another 6 months after my two visits Ive mentioned.

[Lifemagician]

To answer the question about Oz im flying into Perth as my buddy lives in Freemantle.

OK.... only 3000 miles away from my place!

Keep driving into mexico and back to get stamped for another 6 months ...

Two problems with that. One, I would not risk driving into Mexico at this time, with all the problems they are having. Secondly, just like Canada, it will not give you any further time. You need to go to a country which does not have a border with the US or its territories. But really, six months is more than enough. At the end of it, I can't wait to get out of the place... and the grandchildren at home want to see me as well.

Lifey

[Mayelli]

Hey lifemagician did you have any problems keep driving into mexico and back to get stamped for another 6 months as I know you have to leave the north america to get the 6 months again.

Mexico is actually part of North America. Besides it and Canada, certain islands in the Caribbean also don't count for leaving.

[Midwest Michael]

In addition to what was mentioned above with regards to Mexico not counting for leaving North America, I'm a little concerned that your current plans may already be be a red flag for customs.

My understanding is that even if you are on a longer term, multiple entry visa, the maximum stay is 6 months, and if you use all, or even nearly all of those 6 months, you're not just expected to leave north america, you're expected to be gone for several months before returning, especially for another long term stay.

I'm by no means an expert on the topic of visas, but I'd make sure what you're planning is actually going to be acceptable, and not result in an unpleasant surprise, that might even make returning to the US in the future a challenge.

[viking]

Yeah Ive heard that regarding the Customs things. I was only going to stay in oz for a month and return to the US hoping for another 6 months. I may need to extend my trip in oz for it to look well not to eager to get back to US so quickly. we will see. cheers for the tips guys. Im going to buy the national geo map today. They have a big store here in London.

[Lifemagician]

Michael, on several occasions over the last decade, I have written to the US Embassy in Canberra, emailed, and when I can get near them, asked at the Consulate, how long one has to take 'between' six month stays, to no avail. The answer always is that I can stay for six months, per entry. No one has ever answered the question I asked, how long between entries.

I am getting the feeling that there is no set time, and it is decided on each entry. Something which I find most unsatisfactory. I want to know before I leave home, what I am going to expect on landing at LAX.

But that's the US system for ye. Like it or leave it!

Lifey

[viking]

I agree what is saying here. Ive looked on the british expats forum for answers. They are a pessimistic bunch on there, never looking positive. still I always go back to the site. anyways back to the point, what I have found on expats is that most people say that if you stay 6 months or 3 months, you should stay out of the country for the same amount of time before trying again to re-enter. I think in the end it is down to the person on the point of entry, after all if he declines you can always ask to see there supervisoro to argue your point of view.

[Lifemagician]

Now that I have experienced a second entry into the US, just 9 days after I left, I can tell you how it went. That of course does not mean it will go the same for you, but....

I entered into the US on my B2 visa on 26th March, giving me permission to stay until the 25th September. I left the US on 8th July and re-entered on the 17th July. (Note: my initial six months had not been used up.)

On re-entry the border security guy asked when I would be leaving. I told him, in September. (He was one of the more obliging officers, who, noting I did not have a certain form filled in, filled it in for me. Last time that happened I was sent to the back of the queue.)

My passport has now been stamped 16th January, 2013. So go figure!

No! I will not be staying till Jan... I will be going home in September. All it really means to me is that I could have a few more days in case I have difficulty finding where to store my van during my absence. Mind you, I need to factor in the cost of changing my flight details.

Lifey