B1/B2 Tourist Visa Stay Calculator

While there's no explicit annual limit in immigration law, CBP officers often apply a practical guideline of no more than 180 days within a rolling 12-month period to prevent visa abuse. Each visit can be up to 6 months (as determined by the CBP officer), but spending too much time in the US may raise questions about your true intent as a temporary visitor.

Your authorized stay is shown on your I-94 record (not your visa sticker). Always check your I-94 at i94.cbp.dhs.gov after each entry.

Overstaying has serious consequences:

• Automatic visa cancellation - Your current visa becomes void
• 3-year bar - If you overstay 180-365 days and then leave voluntarily
• 10-year bar - If you overstay more than 1 year and then leave
• Permanent bar - If deported after overstaying more than 1 year
• Future visa difficulties - Negative factor in all future visa applications

Always depart before your I-94 expiration date or apply for an extension before it expires.

The rolling 12-month period looks back 365 days from any given date. For example, if you're entering on June 1, 2025, officers will review your stays from June 2, 2024 to June 1, 2025.

This calculator uses this method to track your cumulative days. As older visits "roll off" the 12-month window, your available days increase.

Yes, by filing Form I-539 with USCIS:

• Filing fee (2025): $420 online / $470 paper
• Biometric fee: $85 additional
• When to file: Before your I-94 expires (USCIS recommends 45+ days early)
• Extension length: Up to 6 additional months typically

Important: If you file before your I-94 expires, you can stay while the application is pending without accruing unlawful presence. However, frequent extensions may raise questions about your intent as a temporary visitor.

If you meet the substantial presence test, you may be considered a US tax resident:

• Present in the US for at least 31 days during the current year, AND
• Total of 183 days over 3 years using this formula: All days current year + ⅓ days previous year + ⅙ days year before that

If you qualify, you'll need to file a US tax return reporting worldwide income. Consult a tax professional if you're close to this threshold.

Essential documents for B1/B2 entry:

• Valid passport (valid for 6+ months beyond stay)
• Valid B1/B2 visa (or ESTA if VWP eligible)
• Return/onward tickets
• Proof of ties to home country (employment letter, property documents, family connections)
• Financial statements showing sufficient funds
• Travel itinerary and hotel reservations
• Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends)

These documents help demonstrate your intent to return home and that you won't become a public charge.

No, B1/B2 visas do not permit employment in the US.

B1 (business) allows: attending conferences, negotiating contracts, consulting with business associates. B2 (tourism) allows: vacation, visiting family/friends, medical treatment.

Prohibited activities: Working for a US employer, receiving payment from US sources, providing services for hire. Violating these rules can result in deportation and future visa denial.

Common reasons for entry denial:

• Too many days spent in US recently (appearing to live in US)
• Insufficient ties to home country
• Unable to prove legitimate purpose of visit
• Insufficient funds for the visit
• Previous immigration violations

If denied entry, you may be offered "withdrawal of application for admission" (better for future applications) or receive an expedited removal order (creates 5-year bar). Having a valid visa does NOT guarantee entry - CBP has final discretion.