UgiPletzet

Well, that answers my question, I was not aware of that (should have probably checked before posting...).

Thanks

Thanks for the reply.

I travel quite frequently to the US for scientific conferences (for short periods of time), and it's a hassle to get a visa on a yearly basis.

I am worried that the officers will not only limit my stay (which is a non issue) but will deny my entry altogether because I will not have been "additionally processed".

I am unsure regarding the VWP forms, but in any event, these forms are filled out after arrival, and it's a big risk to find out then that I am inadmissible...

Hi,

I am an Israeli citizen, and have twice applied for and received B1/B2 visa. I am a PhD student in Physics, and therefore required additional processing (for each application) and my visas have been granted, but for one year (as opposed to the standard 10).

I am currently in the process of obtaining an additional citizenship (French).

Once I (hopefully) obtain my French passport, will I be able to enter the US with it (as a tourist), with the Waiver Program? Or will my previous need for additional processing deny me of that right, and I'll have to obtain a visa beforehand?

Thanks

A short update after my consular interview a few days ago:

1. The controlled-substances thing was a complete non-issue. The officer didn't even mention it.

2. They do require additional checks because of my PhD research, and they asked me for my CV and some answers regarding what I do.

3. I will have an answer in 1-3 weeks, but I'm pretty confident that I'll get the visa, but it'll probably be valid for only one year.

Thanks again for all of your responses.

Thanks for the reply.

I have asked some people, but the answers vary greatly. I was hoping to get a better handle on what to emphasize before/during my interview, and what documents should I bring in order to speed up the process and get a better outcome.

Hi.

I have an interview in 6 weeks at the Tel-Aviv consulate, for a B1/B2 visa.

I'm in the final 1-2 years of a PhD in Physics, and will certainly trigger the Technology Alert List issue.

The work we do is purely scientific, completely open and not classified.

The head of our group had some delays with his visa, but eventually received it and attends conferences and visits the US regularly (even some "dirty" places - National Laboratories and the likes).

Another person in the group tried to get a visa to go to some conference a couple of years ago, but only obtained a 1-year visa, after a very long delay (he missed the conference...).

I have no specific travel plans, but will definitely want to visit the US as a tourist, and maybe attend a scientific conference in the future.

Does anyone have experience with this procedure? How long does it take?

How can I increase my chances of obtaining a multiple-entry, long term visa?

Thanks!

But should I do anything before my interview, or just show up, get my application (most probably) rejected, and continue from there?

Thanks for the (not so promising) replies.

This basically means that a large percentage of the applicants flat out lie in their application, right? I guess that was the way to go...

What about admitting to a single-time usage? Would that be somehow better? I saw some exception regarding that.

Thanks again.

Hi.

I've just filed my Visa request forms, and have naively selected "Yes" for the drugs issue, with the explanation:

"Sporadic recreational use of marijuana. Last time was approximately 10 years ago".

I have never been indicted or convicted of anything.

My interview at the consulate is scheduled for 6 weeks from now (I'm an Israeli citizen, residing in Israel).

Will this make me inadmissible? How much trouble am I looking at?

Thanks!