Expert: Ernest Tufft - 4/18/2008

Question
hi..i am planning on having someone from ghana visit us here at home in the u.s.  she has a visa and passport. now..with that, how long can she legally stay in the u.s.? do i need to see anyone like an immigration attorney to be sure we do not break any laws? thank you!!

Answer
If she has a visa, then she is legal to stay for as long as the visa permits her to do so.  Depending upon the type of visa, the lenght of stay may vary, but it's probable that she can't stay longer than 3 months.  I would recommend that she abide by the visa regulations, otherwise she may forfeit her chance to visit again in the future.  Conversally, if she faithfully returns to Ghana as her visa requires, than she may build "credit" of sorts allowing easier visa access in the future.  An attorney is not needed until all else fails in a dispute with the INS.  That's a pretty drastic step, but it pays to read the details of the visa requirements carefully.  Good luck...