I-94 date stamp

[bunches]

Hi, My mother just arrived from the US last week. When the officer asked her how long she planned to stay, she said 2 months (which was wrong for her to say). But when the officer saw her return ticket, it was for duration of 6 months. She thinks the officer was annoyed because she said 2 months whereas her ticket showed 6 months. So as a 'penalty', the officer told her she will only get 2 months. The officer told her that on her record in the computer, he will put 2 months as her allowable duration of stay. But when she checked her I-94 stamp, the date was for 6 months (May 8, 2010).

Now my mother is concerned on her real duration period. Is it even possible for an officer to stamp a different date on the I-94 from the date on the computer record? Is there a way for us to verify her real allowable stay period?

Thanks for your advice.

[ElenaW]

Hello,

Was your mother traveling on the VWP? Under the vwp one is only permitted to stay for 90 days. So it would be an overstay if she stayed for 6 months.

[bunches]

No, she was travelling as a tourist with B2 visa.

[ElenaW]

Well because she said 2 months, I would suggest staying for as long as she said because it's not a good idea to lie to the IO.

[bunches]

Thanks, I contacted the CBP (Customs & Border Protection) and they advised to use the date stamped on the I-94 as valid. They said it is not possible for the date to be different between their computer system and the stamp.

[Marco 72]

Thanks, I contacted the CBP (Customs & Border Protection) and they advised to use the date stamped on the I-94 as valid. They said it is not possible for the date to be different between their computer system and the stamp.

I agree with that. As long as your mother doesn't lose her passport, the stamp is evidence that she has been admitted for six months.

[ElenaW]

It's good you contacted them then