Can you enter on ESTA (tourist) after you fall out of SEVIS status and be outside of US for more than 5 months?

[mmmm 0]

I was in the US on F-1, but my status got terminated ("failure to enroll") as I left school, then I immediately left the US, and have been outside of US for more than 5 months now. So I understand my SEVIS is now invalid or whatever you call it... (= would have to apply for new SEVIS #)

I don't plan to be a student any longer.

Can I enter US on ESTA just to make a flight transit to another country?

I haven't applied for ESTA yet, but I should be approved if I applied, right? (I'm from a tourist-visa-exempt country.)

Even after being approved, would I have problems at the port of entry, as I imagine the officer would probably want me to explain why I have an un-expired F-1 visa on my passport and am entering as a tourist?

Has anyone had similar experiences?

[Boiler 45,898]

You will need a B2.

[mmmm 0]

Thanks, could someone tell me why I will need a B2 even though I'm from a tourist-visa exempt country?

[Boiler 45,898]

You could always look and see who is eligible to use the VWP, and who is not.

It is all on the Consulate web site.

[mmmm 0]

Oh right, thanks! It says I have to have complied with previous admission requirements... so... yea.

Unfortunately I don't have time to apply & wait for a B-visa to be processed before my flight..

Would it be stupid to apply for ESTA and see if I'm approved? Or would it be foolish because if I'm denied, the denial would go on my record?

Thank you very much

[Boiler 45,898]

I have seen at east one case where somebody not eligible for a VWP obtained an approved ESTA. They had an interesting discussion when they arrived in the US.

Not enough data to know if this is normal.