Is longer visit on Esta like 2-3 months bad idea while unemployed?

[emm92 0]

Hello, So I have few questions and I would like to hear from people who been visiting their partners in USA for longer times.

So this year I visited for one month from Europe. I travelled with my fiance, and at the border they only asked how long I am staying (about 30 days) and how long we've know each other.

 

Next time I would like to stay longer, about 70-80 days , under Esta limit (90 days). But i'm worried, if I am unemployed at that time, how risky it is and do I have big chance to get denied? Of corse I have no intentions to work in USA, just to spend time with my fiance.

 

Also, what I understand if staying longer,  you need to have show funds you can support youself, is this true? Is there a rule how much money I should have, considering i am staying at my fiances place? like would 30-50 usd a day be enough? 

Thank all for your answers!

[P055UM 336]

Your entry is always at the discretion of CBP. Nobody here can tell you whether you will or will not be admitted.
 

You seem to have some red flags - lack of employment evidence, recent extended travel and a US fiance. 
 

One upon a time, a while back, I presented at the border for an 80 day ESTA trip with evidence of funds and a letter from my employer and other ties to home (mortgage, car) and a return ticket. The officer told me she was *this* close to not letting me in, and wasn’t remotely interested in looking at any of the evidence I had. So I was let in, but it was a close call. It really is just down to their own tolerance and feelings in the moment. 
 

Your question makes it clear you are aware of the risks anyway, so that’s a good start. I’m sure you’ll make the best decision for yourself. Good luck! 

Edited yesterday at 12:22 PM by P055UM

[OldUser 10,073]

4 hours ago, emm92 said:

Next time I would like to stay longer, about 70-80 days , under Esta limit (90 days). But i'm worried, if I am unemployed at that time, how risky it is and do I have big chance to get denied? Of corse I have no intentions to work in USA, just to spend time with my fiance.

 

 

Ideally you should spend a bit less time than that if you can. The rule of thumb is to spend 2x as much time outside of the US than in the US. So, if your previous visit was 30 days, you should spend at least 60 days out of the US before trying to reenter. If you're visiting for 80 days, that means after it, I would not even try to visit for the next 6-9 months, maybe even a year.

80 days is a long visit, even on B-1 / B-2 visa, let alone ESTA.

Don't forget, relationship is a two way street. Your fiance can visit you in Europe too and enjoy some things that don't exist in the US.

Edited 23 hours ago by OldUser

[smilingstone 640]

Even for a 2 week trip I went loaded with employment contract, lease agreement, bank statement, etc. I was asked one time who I was visiting (fiancé at time) and then about my employment. I was let in but if I wasn't able to evidence strong ties to my home country, it may have been another story. 

 

You really need to show a reason to return. If it's not a job, what else is there? Do you rent or own property? Do you have any pets registered at a local vet? Any big events, like a wedding, you're invited to attend? Some things might seem weak, but it's better than nothing. You kind of need to go assuming you will be refused, so how can you convince them otherwise? 

 

No hard rule on money. I was never asked about it, but for 2 weeks I'd take about 600 USD cash and have some credit cards. I believe it can look suspect if you try to enter with a large amount of money. It might look like you are going to be funding a life, not tourism. 

 

Youve already done a fairly long trip, so if it were me, especially if you are engaged with K1 or spousal on the horizon, I would be changing it to a shorter trip. Either 30 days again, or less. Also a very good point about your partner going to EU to see you instead. 

[Boiler 47,536]

Maybe wait until you have a job and the visit