Multiple Shorter Entries within a year on ESTA/VWP

[Coco8 1,039]

11 minutes ago, Boiler said:

The issue is not if he will have a problem, it is when.

I agree. That is why I suggested doing 3 trips rather than 6. He would basically spend 3 months out, 1 month in, more or less. 

 

OP doesn't know if or when they will apply for a K1 or an IR1/CR1.  If he wants to continue visiting for a long time or even if they apply for a spousal visa, you are looking at going back and forth for 2 years. If you get denied VWP, you are looking at not traveling for a long time.

 

 

 

Edited July 22, 2017 by Coco8

[caliliving 606]

25 minutes ago, Boiler said:

The issue is not if he will have a problem, it is when.

Yes exactly, that is what I'm saying so he just travels until he has a problem and then applies for cr1 or k1..no one knows when that problem will be

[Crazy Cat 39,234]

7 minutes ago, caliliving said:

Yes exactly, that is what I'm saying so he just travels until he has a problem and then applies for cr1 or k1..no one knows when that problem will be

Does he risk losing VWP privileges when he is caught abusing it? 

[caliliving 606]

4 minutes ago, missileman said:

Does he risk losing VWP privileges when he is caught abusing it? 

He wants to eventually do the k1...so at this point I don't think it matters if he loses it he will apply for the k1/cr1. 

[Crazy Cat 39,234]

Just now, caliliving said:

He wants to eventually do the k1...so at this point I don't think it matters if he loses it he will apply for the k1/cr1. 

With VWP, he could visit her while the K-1 or CR1 is being processed.  If he loses VWP, he can not visit.

[Coco8 1,039]

1 minute ago, caliliving said:

He wants to eventually do the k1...so at this point I don't think it matters if he loses it he will apply for the k1/cr1. 

Actually, he said he wasn't sure yet. If they want to take their time it is better not to risk VWP.

[Crazy Cat 39,234]

Just now, Coco8 said:

Actually, he said he wasn't sure yet. If they want to take their time it is better not to risk VWP.

Ding! Ding! Ding!  Exactly!!!!

[Aussie_Mike 12]

Thanks for all this feedback. I can see that all of you genuinely want to help and have my best interests at heard. The kindness of strangers is astounding.

 

My plan is to see an immigration attorney for our K-1/CR-1 strategy, and how that would logistically work in our case and discuss VWP entries in between all that.

 

Silver lining is that my girlfriend and I will be stronger for the challenges this will throw at us. Even on my time off, and time sent out of the USA, its possible for both of us to fly to Canada for a weekend so we can atleast see each other there too.

Edited July 24, 2017 by Aussie_Mike

[mindthegap 2,521]

Personally I think having a travel pattern of consistently not overstaying shows that you are less of a risk than others, and is far more important than anything to them.

This is backed up by my own experiences spanning several years, where my highest number of entries using the VWP back in the day was in excess of 25. I never had a single issue, was never sent to secondary, and was also never even asked to show a return/onward ticket.

 

You are from a 'friendly' country, you have a legitimate reasons for extended periods where you are free to travel as opposed to most in a 'normal' 9-5 job, and if you are like the other roughnecks I know, a load of cash in the bank to be able to support yourself, which alleviates the other primary concern of working illegally.

 

Start seriously considering and planning your possible long term strategy sooner rather than later as you won't be able to do it indefinitely, but in the meantime I say go for it, and don't stress out too much about what may or may not happen.

If you encounter an _____ at your POE there is very little you can do about it anyway besides answer the questions with the truth.

Edited July 26, 2017 by TBoneTX
to remove language that circumvented filter

[Coco8 1,039]

1 minute ago, mindthegap said:

 

Personally I think having a travel pattern of consistently not overstaying shows that you are less of a risk than others is far more important than anything to them.

This is backed up by my own experiences spanning several years, where my highest number of entries using the VWP back in the day was in excess of 25. I never had a single issue, was never sent to secondary, and was also never even asked to show a return/onward ticket.

 

 

You are from a 'friendly' country, you have a legitimate reasons for extended periods where you are free to travel as opposed to most in a 'normal' 9-5 job, and if you are like the other roughnecks I know, a load of cash in the bank to be able to support yourself, which alleviates the other primary concern of working illegally.

 

 

 

Start seriously considering and planning your possible long term strategy sooner rather than later as you won't be able to do it indefinitely, but in the meantime I say go for it, and don't stress out too much about what may or may not happen.

If you encounter an a**hole at your POE there is very little you can do about it anyway besides answer the questions with the truth.

 

Have often did you travel each year?

[Michael2017 368]

6 hours ago, mindthegap said:

 

Personally I think having a travel pattern of consistently not overstaying shows that you are less of a risk than others, and is far more important than anything to them.

This is backed up by my own experiences spanning several years, where my highest number of entries using the VWP back in the day was in excess of 25. I never had a single issue, was never sent to secondary, and was also never even asked to show a return/onward ticket.

 

 

You are from a 'friendly' country, you have a legitimate reasons for extended periods where you are free to travel as opposed to most in a 'normal' 9-5 job, and if you are like the other roughnecks I know, a load of cash in the bank to be able to support yourself, which alleviates the other primary concern of working illegally.

 

 

 

Start seriously considering and planning your possible long term strategy sooner rather than later as you won't be able to do it indefinitely, but in the meantime I say go for it, and don't stress out too much about what may or may not happen.

If you encounter an a**hole at your POE there is very little you can do about it anyway besides answer the questions with the truth.

 

What was the reason for 25 entries / ESTA ?

[Aussie_Mike 12]

As a follow up I spoke to an attorney and came up with the following strategy

 

A) it looks like the CR/I-130 will be the best route.

 

B) The attorney said it can be more about luck I have issues at the border given my ties, nationality, and departure history. 

 

C) I have put together a plan for the next 7 months which will see me out of the USA for 1.5 to 2 times more days for each day I was in the USA on my last visit.

 

D) if I do have issues she said I should withdraw my application and go the B visa option, which she wasn't too concerned being an issue (unless perhaps I have already got a petition under way.

 

I'll check in again after several entrances and let you know how it goes.