Trying to get a B-2 visa as a UK citizen

[Michael92 0]

HI,

I am currently a student in the UK. I am doing a masters and am planning on going to the states to do a little bit of volunteering while I write up my dissertation. The issue is i would like to stay on after my dissertation, and travel; therefore would like to stay for 6 months. I have been to the states on the visa waiver programme but this only enables me stay for 3 months.

However reading online i read a lot of worrying things saying how people have to show they have enough funds and reason to come back to europe/uk and a lot of these visa are rejected. I currently have loans and payments which enter my bank account monthly, i would not have a lump sum to prove to them that i can sustain myself. Secondly i would live with a friend during my stay.

Is it wise to try and apply for a b-2 visa?

Cheers

[milimelo 4,502]

Stick to VWP - you won't get a B2 based on your circumstances.

[aaron2020 11,651]

Hi,

Stick with the VWP. If the B-2 is denied, you can no longer use the VWP.

[Pitaya 2,577]

Welcome to the forum.

[Michael92 0]

Hi,

Stick with the VWP. If the B-2 is denied, you can no longer use the VWP.

So it really is that unlikely that i would get denied a b-2?

[Penguin_ie 5,994]

***** Moving from Introduction to Tourist Visa forum for more answers *****

The issue is, they would wonder why you need to stay so long in one stretch, and whether you have enough ties to go home. Why, for example, you cannot stay for a couple of months to do you thesis, then go home, find a job or finish off your dissertation, and then come back for a month or two of traveling. There is really no "need" from what you say here,k for you to do all that in one go.

[yuna628 9,680]

The problem is that the UK is VWP eligible, and they would have a hard time believing why you would have need of a B-2, over others that are required to have one. As the VWP does give you plenty of time to visit the US and you can return as many times as you should want yearly, provided you have proof of returning and you are spending enough time in your home country. It is not likely you will be approved. Regardless of *how* you enter, you still have to offer proof.

[Michael92 0]

The problem is that the UK is VWP eligible, and they would have a hard time believing why you would have need of a B-2, over others that are required to have one. As the VWP does give you plenty of time to visit the US and you can return as many times as you should want yearly, provided you have proof of returning and you are spending enough time in your home country. It is not likely you will be approved. Regardless of *how* you enter, you still have to offer proof.

hmm this is rather annoying, they assume i have enough money to spend on multiple flights a year?! i just thought stating that three months to do my research/write my dissertation and then let myself have 3 months holiday would seem legit enough.

[Penguin_ie 5,994]

What kind of dissertation is it? If it is full time study/ research at an accreidted university, you may be able to get a student visa.

[Michael92 0]

What kind of dissertation is it? If it is full time study/ research at an accreidted university, you may be able to get a student visa.

It is a full time study at Edinburgh Napier university, which is accredited. I thought I could only get a student visa if i were part of an American university?

[Penguin_ie 5,994]

It is a full time study at Edinburgh Napier university, which is accredited. I thought I could only get a student visa if i were part of an American university?

Well, what is the reason your dissertation must be completed in the USA? Your university may have links to a US university....

[Michael92 0]

It is a full time study at Edinburgh Napier university, which is accredited. I thought I could only get a student visa if i were part of an American university?

Unfortunately it is under my initiative (due to my interests) through a small organisation, no other universities are involved. It really is a personal/interest preference as to why I am going to the states.

[MacUK 983]

The 'volunteering' bit might get you in trouble too.

Volunteering is considered work and therefore not allowed with a tourist visa.

They'll probably presume that you plan to work to be able to stay so long.

The 'staying with a friend' might not help either if the CO suspects that it's a romantic relationship.

[Boiler 45,670]

You do not have enough money for flights, you do not have a lump sum, you can not work in the US, how is this going to be funded?

[aaron2020 11,651]

The 'volunteering' bit might get you in trouble too.

Volunteering is considered work and therefore not allowed with a tourist visa.

They'll probably presume that you plan to work to be able to stay so long.

The 'staying with a friend' might not help either if the CO suspects that it's a romantic relationship.

Volunteering is allowed with a tourist visa.

For example, an animal shelter that usually has volunteers. A person with a tourist visa can volunteer. It is not considered work.

Volunteering for a position that is normally paid is not allowed.