Easier to extend a US tourist Visa or apply again?

[Saltheart]

Anyone know whether or not it's easier to extend an existing tourist visa for FSUW or apply for a new one or is it one half dozen or another?  Thanks.

Salty

[BillyB]

I've dated one local RW who was on a tourist visa and was getting an extension. I think she was going to extend it for as long as they keep giving it to her. If the RW doesn't get an extension, she can go back home and then apply for another.

[Muzh]

Anyone know whether or not it's easier to extend an existing tourist visa for FSUW or apply for a new one or is it one half dozen or another?  Thanks.

Salty

Salty, I'd be very careful with this. You can do it, all you have to do is pay the fee (I believe $185) and write a justification for it and this is where it can get dicey. How are you going to justify the extension without telling Homeland Security that you two are trying to figure out if you are compatible for marriage?

P.S. I extended my MIL's visa although I prayed INS (at the time) would decline it.

[Saltheart]

Thanks guys - hmm, dunno about the justification - good question.  Might be a
Moot point, the visit is this weekend for 2 1/2 weeks ... If it goes well I guess I'll start scrambling then.  In theory then is an extension easier then applying again?  Thanks - will try to keep a good memory for a TR... Hopefully it's a successful one.

SH

[LAman]

Yes, you can extend it, I thought it was only one time though.
This past summer, a moldovian girl got a 10 year ME visa and came to US to visit me, when she went through customs they gave her a stamp for 6 month stay( she must have impressed the official  ). She did end up applying and getting another 6 months and then have to leave after this..........unless she met a guy here and decided to get hitched, if I am correct.
You have to be careful though, to be girl's sponsor can be trouble in future if you end up applying for a K-1 for her.