10 year ban

[MacUK 983]

OK then, back in March 2003 I left the US voluntarily after overstaying since June 2001, I wasn't deported.

In April of 2003 I visited the Embassy in London to apply for a visitors visa but this was of course refused and I was told that I would be banned from the US for 10 years.

I have always been under the impression that this ban had started from that day in the embassy but after a little look at their website I saw mentions that bans actually start from the date you leave the US.

I was wondering if anyone here had any practical experience in this?

I have been invited to visit friends in the US next year and I'd also really like to be able to visit my children who are US citizens living with their USC mother (we are no longer together)

I've served my ban and definitely learned my lesson. I have no intentions or desire to stay in the US any longer as I am in a new relationship now here in the UK.

What I'd like to know is can I get the ball rolling on a visa application in March or do I need to wait until next April?

Thanks for any help

Edited October 1, 2012 by MacUK

[Juliepierre 6]

OK then, back in March 2003 I left the US voluntarily after overstaying since June 2001, I wasn't deported.

In April of 2003 I visited the Embassy in London to apply for a visitors visa but this was of course refused and I was told that I would be banned from the US for 10 years.

I have always been under the impression that this ban had started from that day in the embassy but after a little look at their website I saw mentions that bans actually start from the date you leave the US.

I was wondering if anyone here had any practical experience in this?

I have been invited to visit friends in the US next year and I'd also really like to be able to visit my children who are US citizens living with their USC mother (we are no longer together)

I've served my ban and definitely learned my lesson. I have no intentions or desire to stay in the US any longer as I am in a new relationship now here in the UK.

What I'd like to know is can I get the ball rolling on a visa application in March or do I need to wait until next April?

Thanks for any help

I am sorry to hear about that!

One of our workers was going through the same thing. He worked for our office in europe after being banned from th US for 10 years....because of failing to meet visa standarts. Yes, it is true that the 10 years ban starts from the moment you leave the US. Actually, our company provided him with a letter stating that there was a job position waiting for him. His "wife" also sent a letter to the US embassy stating that their 4 kids need their father.

He was granted a new visa after 1 1/2 years of reapplying.

*** letter from a company that can sponsor you, would help a lot.

[kzielu 1,149]

First you need to wait 10 years from the time you left US. Second - you need to present very strong ties to your home country - in your situation - history of overstay and USC family it is unlikely you will ever get tourist visa - unfortunately.

[Harsh_77 718]

The ban would be in effect from the day you left the country, for you the 10 yr clock started when you left the country.

Invitation from a friend does not hold much weight… could be one reason but that is not a compelling reason why consulate should issue you visa.

On the other hand for you having kids in US might work in your favor and CO can issue you visa on that bases. You might be required to show that you been in touch with your kids and how you have had active role in their lives.

[jaycali 415]

The ban was triggered the second your plane left the ground. So if you left in March 2003, your ban will be up in March 2013, and you are then eligible to apply for a visa.

Be advised that being eligible and actually being granted a visa are two very different things. A history of long overstay can still be used against you even though you're eligible to apply.

I would gather up any and all evidence you can that will prove your intent to return to the UK. Examples of this can be anything from an employer letter, school letter, property ownership (car, house etc.), adoption papers for a dog, you name it. Anything that will show that you have a life in the UK now that you don't intend on abandoning.

In addition, remember that an approved visa is no guarantee of entry into the US. It just allows you to board a plane for the US and "knock on the door." So any evidence you bring to the visa interview, I would also bring in my carry-on, in case the CBP at the airport starts asking you the same questions.

Edited October 3, 2012 by jaejayC