The type of entry to the U.S. does not determine whether the individual intends to
establish U.S. residency. Generally entry as a visitor or tourist does not establish
U.S. residency. Visitors or tourists who enter under a B1 or B2 visas issued by Department
of State Consulates or Embassies abroad can generally remain in the U.S. for a minimum
of 90 and a maximum of 180 days. Individuals admitted as visitor or tourists under
the Visa Waiver Pilot Program are usually allowed to remain for 90 days. The length
of these non-immigrant admissions are determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection
at the port of entry and constitute only temporary entries. For example, a visitor
or tourist can have a multiple-entry visa which can be valid for up to ten years;
however, Customs and Border Protection will only grant entry and length of stay for
up to 180 days for each entry. These temporary entries do not establish residency
in the U.S. However, some visitors may later apply with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services (USCIS) to have their status changed under the different provisions of the
Immigration law so they can stay.