J1 Visa - Pre-Visa Travel

[rghtly33 0]

Hi There,

Bit of a complicated situation here

I'm in the process of applying for an exchange visa (J1) which would commence on 29 Sept this year. I've held a J1 previously, so I'm fairly familiar with the basic procedures involved. At the moment I'm dealing with a few issues which I don't see replicated too much on this forum:

(i) I know there is a 30 day rule for entry to the US prior to commencement of a visa - however, could I vacation there beforehand under the Visa Waiver Program ? (Obviously I would be able to show a return flight out of the US)

(ii) Assuming that my employer gets my SEVIS ID in the next few weeks - I would aim to schedule my interview appointment in early august. With a fair wind (and no selection for Administrative Processing) I would hope that my visa could be input into my UK passport (and returned to me!) prior to the end of august. Failing that, I hold dual citizenship (both participants of the VWP) could I travel on the passport not receiving a visa, if my other passport is still being processed?

Apologies if this is a frequently asked question

Edited July 19, 2013 by Kathryn41
personal information removed by request