Visiting the USA for a prolonged amount of time?

[streanor 405]

I did that about 3 years ago to visit my then boyfriend. I didn't have very strong ties to home at the time. I was questioned extensively and was completely honest and they let me through. I know someone who is on their second long period trip within this year and he didn't get questioned at all. It's completely up to the discretion of the officer you get at customs. 

 

If you have any evidence of ties - lease, appointments to come back to, etc. I would bring them just in case. Also have a print out of your bank statement to prove you have enough money to support yourself on your trip. GOOD LUCK!

[ohcoffeeeyes 120]

51 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

Not a great idea when it comes to convincing CBP that you intend to return home.  In fact, what reason will you have to return home?

Yeah it isnt a great idea but obviously I cant take 3 months worth of paid vacation and I'm not in an industry where taking sabbaticals is common.

19 minutes ago, streanor said:

I did that about 3 years ago to visit my then boyfriend. I didn't have very strong ties to home at the time. I was questioned extensively and was completely honest and they let me through. I know someone who is on their second long period trip within this year and he didn't get questioned at all. It's completely up to the discretion of the officer you get at customs. 

 

If you have any evidence of ties - lease, appointments to come back to, etc. I would bring them just in case. Also have a print out of your bank statement to prove you have enough money to support yourself on your trip. GOOD LUCK!

Thank you!!! Yes that seems like a good idea. You gave me confidence lol

Edited August 1, 2019 by ohcoffeeeyes

[SusieQQQ 11,584]

Here are some experiences on these boards of people being denied entry on ESTA. Hopefully you can learn from their experiences to avoid the same outcome. The two most common themes for denials are partner in the US and no job at home. There are plenty more threads like this on VJ but they all start looking the same after a while.

 

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/282226-uk-friend-denied-entry-into-us-on-visa-waiver/

 

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/700521-denied-entry-with-esta-will-it-affect-a-future-k1-application/

 

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/348367-refused-entry-on-vwp/

 

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/686221-pending-k-1-visa-fiancé-denied-entry-on-esta-for-suspicion-of-being-here-to-work/

 

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/157577-possible-troubles-after-entry-on-visa-waiver-program-denied/

 

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/404356-wife-denied-entry-to-the-us/

 

[ohcoffeeeyes 120]

3 hours ago, SusieQQQ said:

Here are some experiences on these boards of people being denied entry on ESTA. Hopefully you can learn from their experiences to avoid the same outcome. The two most common themes for denials are partner in the US and no job at home. There are plenty more threads like this on VJ but they all start looking the same after a while.

 

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/282226-uk-friend-denied-entry-into-us-on-visa-waiver/

 

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/700521-denied-entry-with-esta-will-it-affect-a-future-k1-application/

 

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/348367-refused-entry-on-vwp/

 

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/686221-pending-k-1-visa-fiancé-denied-entry-on-esta-for-suspicion-of-being-here-to-work/

 

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/157577-possible-troubles-after-entry-on-visa-waiver-program-denied/

 

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/404356-wife-denied-entry-to-the-us/

 

Thank you. Yes that does seem reoccurring. I have plenty of time to get some evidence anyway so I'm gonna follow what you said 😄 I'm sure I could find something. Thank you for everything! Much appreciated.

[gbhj 27]

sorry to steer away a bit, but i too have somewhat of a similar case and was hoping if i could get some advise;

I have a pending i130 spouse petition and planning a prolonged trip 4 moths long (Visa type b1/b2 10 year multiple entry), i am a business owner and have property on my name(for ties), i have a good travel history in u.s i was in the u.s for 4 years for my college with regular trips back hime and no overstay or any legal trouble..

 

my question:  should i buy an additional one way return ticket .i.e  a 4 moth long return ticket and a one-way return ticket for a shorter stay to show to cbp?

[SusieQQQ 11,584]

43 minutes ago, gbhj said:

 

 

my question:  should i buy an additional one way return ticket .i.e  a 4 moth long return ticket and a one-way return ticket for a shorter stay to show to cbp?

How stupid exactly do you think they are? 

One way ticket to a ban for misrepresentation, more likely.

[gbhj 27]

1 minute ago, SusieQQQ said:

How stupid exactly do you think they are? 

One way ticket to a ban for misrepresentation, more likely.

that is exactly my concern..

 

firstly, thanks for replying.

 

ok  so technically on b1/b2 they usually allow a visit to be 6 months long so i am well below that.. The ticket i got a was a great deal but had a condition that the return ticket to be in a certain month...  so with your experience can you please guide me in case of b1/b2 4 month trip will there be any issue?

 

once again thanks for taking the time to reply, i really appreciate all the help!

[gbhj 27]

On 8/19/2019 at 8:26 AM, SusieQQQ said:

How stupid exactly do you think they are? 

One way ticket to a ban for misrepresentation, more likely.

 

 

update changed my return to under a month , so this question is more for information now...