ESTA if K1 is Refused

[Rolly123 1]

Hi everyone.

Quick question. If a K1 Visa is refused, what does that mean for being able to acquire a ESTA waiver? Would it mean you would have to apply for a visitors visa? or would you still be able to get an ESTA, but you would raise more flags when traveling?

Thanks.

[Mark88 184]

There is no ESTA waiver, you might confuse it wit the visa waiver programme. ESTA is the plattform with that you apply for your eligibility to travel under the VWP.

You will have to complete ESTA online again, and answer Question "F" with yes.

F) Have you ever been denied a U.S. visa or entry into the U.S. or had a U.S. visa canceled?

If you're ESTA is still approved, you have a good chance traveling to the US with VWP. If ESTA denied, you will have to seek a different visa type with the US consulate anyway.

Remember, even if you're ESTA is approved, it's still upto the IO with CBP to let you enter the US. And there is a good chance of you beeing flagged in the system, since you applied for a K-1 visa.

[Hypnos 6,578]

After a denied K-1, ESTA would be unlikely to give you an approval for at least a year and probably longer. As stated above, you would need to declare the refusal.

Edited October 25, 2013 by Hypnos

[NewChapter 0]

ESTA is normally refused after visa denial. However, email the embassy or contact Department of State to ask further. I hope it all works out for you.