Visa waiver isn't working now - what should I apply for?

[PP99 0]

Hi, my girlfriend is working in the US. I keep going out to visit as my work schedule is flexible, thankfully, but not as flexible as US immigration, who gave me lots of hassle a couple of weeks ago for being a regular visitor. Apparently the visa waiver programme isn’t meant for that. So what can I do? Is a tourist visa application likely to be accepted or will they just say the same thing, that I can't be a frequent visitor? Which kind of visa is best, and how long would it last? Any help? Thanks all. Cheers!

[Little_My 464]

Where are you from, and what exactly do you mean by "frequent visitor"? How often have you been coming to the US, how long have you stayed? Tourist visas, as well as the VWP, is meant for short visits with the main purpose being tourism - if it starts to seem like you are spending as much/more time in the US than outside, its pretty common that CBP starts to get suspicious and may deny you entry. There really is no visa that lets you spend as much time in the US as abroad - for longer visits, you would basically need something like a student visa or work visa - or, if you and your girlfriend are ready to take the next step and you are willing to immigrate to the US permanently, you could get engaged and go for the K-1 fiance visa.

[JoannaV 174]

Yes, we need more detail as to frequency and duration of your trips. It's possible you just encountered some officers who wanted to fuss at you and maybe you won't have issues in the future using VWP.

[PP99 0]

Hi, thanks for your replies to my questions. I’ll try to answer your questions.

I’m British.

Frequent visitor:

• In 2009 I spent 6 months in the USA (two trips of almost 90 days each)
  
• I was there again for Christmas 2009 (two weeks or so)
  
• In 2010 I spent 5 months in the USA (two trips)
  
• In 2011 I spent 5 months in the USA (two trips)
  
• And returned for Christmas 2011 (two weeks or so)
  
• May 2012, three weeks
  

I've never stayed longer than 90 days on any one trip.

But that adds up to quite a lot of time, doesn’t it?

[Boiler 45,952]

If you qualify B2 Cohabitating Visa.