CBP and 180-day admission period for B-2 visitor

Question details

1. If an alien is otherwise admissible as a B-2 visitor for pleasure, isn't it true that a CBP officer should not limit the admission of that alien to 180 days in a twelve-month period?

2. Assuming an individual is otherwise eligible for admission, isn't it true that eligibility for admission as a visitor is determined by the nature and expected duration of the intended activity in the U.S.?

3. What is the training that is given to CBP officers to reinforce that B-2 visitors may lawfully be admitted for an aggregate period in excess of 180 days in a twelve-month period?

ANSWER

1. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) indicates that, if an alien applicant is otherwise admissible as a B-2 visitor, and passport validity requirements are met, the applicant can be issued more than one 180-day admission period in a 12-month period.  

2. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) indicates that alien applicants for admission in the B-2 classification are determined to be eligible for that classification based on the purpose of their visit to the U.S.,as well as the anticipated period of stay.

3. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) indicates that training on nonimmigrant processing, including B-2s, is currently administered at the CBP Academy during basic training, as well as during Post Academy training that is administered after the trainee officers have returned from the Academy. The training is also administered to officers who require immigration cross-training, and periodic musters are disseminated to the field regarding non-immigrant processing issues. The training and muster material is basically a restatement of the laws and regulations concerning B-2 nonimmigrants.

Nonimmigrant Visas

Agency