Number of times using VWP

[NK1972 0]

Hello everyone

Just back from 74 days in the US and I want to go back maybe November time for another 70-80ish days before my boyfriend deploys. It's the number of my past visits that are worrying me the most.

So far I have entered the US the following times since April 2010 (not all to see my boyfriend):

April 2010 for two weeks (POE Houston, no issues)

August 2010 for two weeks (POE Houston, no issues)

December 2010 for 6 weeks (POE Houston, no issues)

February 2011 for two weeks (POE Houston, no issues)

May 2011 for two weeks (POE Houston, no issues)

July 2011 for 88 days (POE Chicago, pulled into secondary due to length of stay)

May 2012 for 74 days (POE Newark, really easy!)

Im so worried all these trips are showing up on their system when they scan my passport that I will be eventually be denied because I travel to the US 'too much'. Do trips disappear from the system and 'fall off' from the rolling year or does my ENTIRE travel history to the US show up when they scan my passport? I also travelled a lot in the early 00's to Colorado to ski and famly trips to Florida etc. I have always brought ties to the UK with me and have plenty of funds to support myself (I currently do not work, my choice) but have never been asked for anything, not even when I went to secondary. I have no intention to adjust status and do not want to get married or immigrate at this point. He will be gone for 9 months from April 2013 so obviously I wouldnt visit during that time so will build up more time spent in the UK before I go again when he returns.

Really don't know whether to risk it and book a flight now while they are reasonable cheap....getting a little stressed over this one!

What's the most number of times anyone from the UK has come and gone to the US for 70-80 days at one time on VWP? Has anyone been more than me and not had any problems and if you did experience any problems, what happened? I know it's down the the IO on the day but just want some advice and maybe hear some experiences from other UK members.

Thanks as always for your invaluable advice!! I know that VWP questions are pretty common on here!

[kittylondon 47]

hey

i think it's really hard for anyone to make a judgment in these situations - no one can predict what the particular border agent you get will choose to make of your visits.

my story suggest some people can get away with extensive use of VWP when in a relationship with a USC... these are the trips i made in 3 years i've been with my fiance (boyfiend at the time of all these trips). bear in mind i also had many trips before this, 3 or 4 short holidays a year, but always travelling with friends or family. this is when i started to go alone:

june 2009 2 weeks

july 2009 2 weekends

august-sept 2009 3 weeks

nov 2009 1 weekend

dec 2009 1 week

february 2010 1 weekend

april 2010 1 week

august 2010 4 weeks

nov 2010 1 week

feb 2011 2 weeks

may 2011 2 weeks

july-oct 2011 12 weeks

november 2011-feb 2012 12 weeks

applied for K1 jan 2012.

i was really lucky to get away with 2 back to back 90 day visits at the end there, and had certainly prepared to be turned away (and was okay with it if it happened). i never lied about how long i was staying or why i was going. i never had to show more than a return ticket or had a secondary inspection, despite often carrying lease, job contract, etc (although also sometimes not carrying any of that stuff!). BUT i worked for an airline for most of this time, which a) explains all my time off (a shift for a shift - you can choose your working patterns to a large extent, and i did a LOT of doubles to get that much downtime!) b) helped a little when talking to borders/customs - they know airline workers get cheap flights, and generally i've always found there's a certain airport worker camaraderie, that if you are able to play on, can win you some favours!

i guess i don't really have a point, just sharing my experiences, take from it what you will. if i were you i'd give it a go in november - the unofficial rule is 180 days out of every year, right, so you'd fall under that. plus the deployment explanation can only help. but that's me - other people who've had terrible experiences would understandably say don't risk it.

good luck to you (and your boyfriend on his deployment).

Edited August 2, 2012 by kittylondon

[Holly2234 66]

I actually think you would be fine. Ive been quite unlucky in that i ALWAYS get sent to secondary inspection. So does my husband and he is a USC Must be something about us

But you have been taking quite short trips up until the last two. And it will be a couple of months in between your trips. It is understandable that you want to see your boyfriend before deployment so its not as though its a trip just because you can.

Obviously its all opinion. It usually depends on whether the guy at the desk has had a good day or not! Good luck to you and your boyfriend.

[NK1972 0]

I actually think you would be fine. Ive been quite unlucky in that i ALWAYS get sent to secondary inspection. So does my husband and he is a USC Must be something about us

[NK1972 0]

Holly, how many times did you travel and get pulled into secondary? Thanks for the best wishes. Im actually hoping he decides to retire from the Army in March, he better hurry up and make his decision!!! I really hope he doesn't get deployed again

[Boiler 46,000]

So the real question is how lucky are you, you know you are pushing it, depending on when you go back you might be deemed resident for tax purposes, which is a bit of a clue.

[NK1972 0]

So the real question is how lucky are you, you know you are pushing it, depending on when you go back you might be deemed resident for tax purposes, which is a bit of a clue.

Thanks Boiler, hoping to go back in November