Quick question, if anyone can help me?

[cestlavie]

I'm 17 I am living in the us illegaly because I entered with a tourist visa when I was 12 and notw it expired. but I'll be going back to my country soon I won't yet be 18, IF I do that, is the ten yr bar still going to apply to me? say I'd like to come back some yrs later maybe to visit or work, will I be ineligible for a visa because of that? even tho I'm a minor? if anybody can answer that. I appreciate it so much.

[ashleypinzon]

i think someone will later chime in but illegal prescence doesnt accure till your 17.5 years old to my knowledge.

[kitkat1]

Illegal presence kicks in when you are 18. Be SURE to leave the country BEFORE your 18th birthday and it will not be held against you.

http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/ineligibilities/ineligibilities_1364.html

Classes of Aliens Ineligible to Receive Visas

Exceptions.-

(I) Minors.-No period of time in which an alien is under 18 years of age shall be taken into account in determining the period of unlawful presence in the United States under clause (I).