Told Customs Two Weeks, Can I Stay Longer?

[tv33]

I'm Canadian. I crossed the US land entry point, presented my passport, and told customs I planned to stay in the USA for about two weeks. They said go ahead. There were no forms to fill out and I didn't even get out of my car. I then entered the USA.

Now, I want to stay for another two months. Do they enter into the computer system that I'm only allowed to go for two weeks? If so, and if they weren't allowing me for the standard 6 months, would they actually tell me I was only allowed in for two weeks and not any longer? Can I just assume anything less than six months is allowed?

[Reba]

You're fine to stay up to 6 months if you want, unless they made you fill out an I-94 and stamped it with an expected return date.

[Steven]

If your intent changes, then it's okay, however CBP do have access to the CBSA records so there's a chance they will know when you left the US (depends on how accurate the CBSA records are). If it comes up saying you stayed for 2.5 months instead of 2 weeks, they'll ask you why, but as long as it was legitimate change of plan it shouldn't be a problem. Clearly you had non-immigrant intent because you left.

[fiestagirl]

I did this. Two summers ago I intended on staying in the U.S. for 2.5 weeks. My circumstances changed and I stayed for 2 months. The next time I came into the U.S. (about 4 months later) I was asked no questions. If your circumstances change yet you're not overstaying, there shouldn't be a problem.

[tv33]

Thanks for the responses.

Does anyone know if they actually enter into their computer system how long you told them you were going for or not?

[fiestagirl]

What does it matter? Why be worried about that? Just don't overstay and be honest. When they're suspicious of you, they WILL put that data in the computer and they will give you a date to leave by.

[Steven]

Does anyone know if they actually enter into their computer system how long you told them you were going for or not?

Yes they do, but it doesn't really matter, as long as your change of plan was legitimate and you don't overstay.

[lawsrlaws]

Actually, while we are talking to you and getting your ID, we have a another Officer attaching a tracking device to the back of your car. We then use Google Earth to watch every move you make.




LOL....sorry, I couldn't resist.


If your not doing anything wrong...ie working/living...there is no problem. We have way too much other stuff to deal with, and your legally allowed 6 months to visit.