Question about VWP

[dustingthestars 9]

I just wanted some advice on my situation to quell my fears about getting refused entry to the US in November. I am going to meet a friend from the internet to see if there is as much of a spark in real-life as there is online. She has offered to put me up for the 15 days I will visit - should I ask her to write something for me to that effect?

I'm a British, 31 year old single male, but am living and working in Russia at the moment - legally and with multi-entry Russian working visa. I have applied for and been successful in obtaining the ESTA permit to travel.

Currently have an apartment in the centre of Moscow; Russian landlord that I pay cash every month - he can provide a letter and I work as a teacher for a Russian company - they can provide a letter stating my employment and any other relevant information that might be necessary. What documentation should I take with me to ensure that CBP are satisfied that I don't intend to overstay my visa? Also have bank statements from both UK and Russia.

As I mentioned earlier, I am visiting for 15 days and have $8000 saved, as well as about £2000 spare as back-up.

Any advice or general guidance would be gratefully received.

Regards,

[belinda63 3,047]

Shouldn't have any problems as you are going to visit a friend. Persons entering under the VWP are rarely questioned beyond the what is the purpose of your trip and how long will you be staying.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Have your itinerary handy to show your return ticket. Some people have e-tickets and don't have anything to show because they didn't print the trip details. People are more often questioned when they make frequent and long (90 day) visits.

[JoannaV 174]

Return ticket, short first trip, info on work and lease available (IF they request it, don't go overboard volunteering such things!)...all good. You will be fine :-)

Just tell the truth, no need to give a tonne of information, so you can say you're visiting a friend to start with, but if they ask for more information then be totally open: they've no reason to get suspicious of you overstaying when you've never even met this girl before, you know? The situation is totally non-suspicious.

Oh and no need for her to write anything about putting you up. They don't normally ask such questions anyway, but you do have your savings to show if they ask how you're gonna support yourself of whatever. (Probably OT, but remember you'll need to know her address to write on the forms for where you'll be staying the first night.)

The only (vague and not really) trouble I had on my first (kind of like yours except I was already claiming the guy as my boyfriend) visit was that the immigration official was a little worried that this guy I'd never met might abduct me or something, but he still let me through and I'm sure no-one will worry about you in quite the same way

[jingo 38]

I took a lot of paperwork like my bank statement and proof of student status and letter from employer as well as return ticket when I went to visit my SO in March and they asked me a few questions but never wanted evidence or anything of the sort. VWP for stays under 90 days aren't a problem. You have the right to visit.

[dustingthestars 9]

Thanks for your words of advice and support everyone. Much appreciated.

I think as a Brit, I'm used to over-thinking the process and would be far happier taking much more info than is necessary, just in case!

So far I have a letter from employer, letter from landlord, bank statements from both UK and Russia, ESTA confirmation and copies of my flight itinerary. Should be more than enough from what everyone has said...

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Thanks for your words of advice and support everyone. Much appreciated.

Good points from JoannaV. Don't volunteer your life story. What is the purpose of your trip? --I'm on vacation. Not- I met this girl online and I live in Russia and I might be falling for her and......

Wait for them to ask you anything else. Where are you staying? With a friend.

There's an old lawyer thing I've read on here. If asked "Do you know the time?" the correct answer is "yes", not "It's ten o'clock."

Edited July 25, 2011 by Nich-Nick

[jingo 38]

If I said 'yes' to a stranger on the street asking me the time, I'd imagine they'd be a bit mad