complicated B1 situation with frequent returns

[GlobalTraveller]

Hello, I have a unique problem involving my visa situation and I cannot find the relevant information anywhere.

I hold a valid B1 visa which I use when I travel 2 or 3 times a year to the US for business. Each trip lasts between 2 and 12 weeks, well below the 6 month limit.

However, between these visits I also travel frequently to New York on a visa waiver to visit friends and stay for anything between 2 and 8 weeks between contracts.

It has occurred in the past that I have left the US after a vacation and had to return within a short space of time for business, and vice-versa.

My concern is that there is a 'minimum' amount of time that I must remain out of the US before re-entering, and that I will not be aware that there is a problem until there is one.

Any clarification on this issue would be most welcome.

 

[Triple Citizen]

Never spend more than 6 months in the US in any 12 month rolling window. Just curious, is your B-1 visa on the same passport you use for VWP? Or you hold two citizenships?

Any clarification on this issue would be most welcome.

 

[GlobalTraveller]

Thank you for the quick response.

Yes the visa is on the same passport as I normally use for entering on a waiver. However, you have beaten me to my next question! I do hold another passport as I have dual citizenship. Does this help? Can I use the other passport for non business trips?

 

[Triple Citizen]

It does not help. Since you are a visitor to the US, business or pleasure, you should not be spending more than 6 months in the US in any rolling 12 month window.

Does this help? Can I use the other passport for non business trips?

 

[GlobalTraveller]

OK, so no more than 6 months in a 12 month period. Is there a required amount of time I must wait between trips?

 

[Triple Citizen]

No, but the general pattern of visitation should not indicate that you might be using your B-1/2 visa to live/work in the US.

Is there a required amount of time I must wait between trips?

 

[GlobalTraveller]

Ok, thanks very much for your help.