6 month Visit

[lost_at_sea 995]

There's a risk with applying for the B2 and not getting it - if she's turned down for the B2, then she'll have to declare that she's been denied a visa on her ESTA application, which will result in ESTA (and therefore VWP) denial.

You're better off having her visit for 90 days during the coldest part of the year on VWP.

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

Not relying on any walmart shopper advice, just asking a simple question. Is it possible or not? Simple as that, if it is possible, what would the visa be? This site used to be the place to go for all questions and help, when did it turn so cynical?

Like has been previously said, London does not give out tourist visas (B2) easily. If the visa application is denied, that will likely trigger her ESTA application being denied. She loses VWP. ESTA asks, "Have you ever been denied a visa?"

Info on applying for the visa http://london.usembassy.gov/niv/apply.html

Edit: I see I duplicated what lost at sea said. Typing at the same time.

Edited November 29, 2015 by Nich-Nick

[HFM181818 748]

as others mentioned, the downside to applying for a B2 just so she can camp out for 6 months is this: if she is denied, that will be the end of the VWP for her for quite some time....is that worth the risk? (don't know)....but it is something to consider....

[Boiler 43,632]

Nothing more involved, she is on disability back in the UK, so gets paid directly to her bank account. so does not work. She is getting to an age where the UK(Scottish)winters are taking their toll, she normally comes on the VWP each year for the allowed 90 days(approx) We spoke to visitor we met in Walmart who said she was here for a 6 months stay and so thought we would ask what visa the person might have been on or if this was possible, the person was retired.

Thanks

That makes a big difference, a B2 is a definite possibility.

[Pkr 21]

A b2 visa normally allows a person to stay for 6 months may be you should try it . The usually stamp a date till a person can legally stay during a trip

A b2 visa normally allows a person to stay for 6 months may be you should try it . The usually stamp a date till a person can legally stay during a trip

[TBoneTX 43,360]

A noncontributory post has been removed. Post constructively, or don't post.

VJ Moderation

[Russ&Caro 1,548]

Are there residency requirements within the UK for her to continue to collect disability, e.g. need to reside in UK for 6 months each year? If so, that might the be the tie back to her home country that would secure a tourist visa. I know for my wife's mother, we're counting on the residency requirements for her to continue to draw her pension in Colombia, as evidence of ties to her home country allowing for a tourist visa to the USA. We're still at least a year from applying for a tourist visa for her mother but we're optimistic.

[Boiler 43,632]

This is sort of UK specific, generally and there are exceptions people of working age have a hard time getting a B and a refusal usually screws up the VWP for a few months, 6 seems common.

However there are exceptions, OAP's being the usual ones and somebody in this situation falls in the same category. She wants to be a snowbird.

The safe time to apply would be just after she came back from a VWP trip, then if refused there is 9 months for the VWP reset. Personally I think she will get a B in her situation.

Edited November 30, 2015 by Boiler

[Liam and Kara 6]

Thanks guys for the information, much appreciated, will look into it after she goes back HOME.

[JFH 12,189]

Depending on the type of benefit she gets, she can only receive that for 4 - 13 weeks if she goes overseas:

https://www.gov.uk/claim-benefits-abroad/illness-injury-and-disability-benefits

So she will need to make sure that she has enough to keep the rent/mortgage and utilities paid for 6 months and to support herself (although maybe you will be doing that) in view of her reduced income.

I think someone mentioned you have a baby on the way? It's important she is not coming over to be your baby's childminder.