travelling on vwp

[wonderwall 1]

Hi, I'm planning a trip and just a bit paranoid so I thought I'd run it through here.

I'm planning on going to America over the summer, I''ll be eighteen and just out of high school. (Wont know what uni I am in until part way through the trip.)

I want to stay for about two months and will be visiting friends. They're in four different states, so I'll be splitting the time between them. When asked what address on the esta form or the arrival form you get on the plane, which address should I put down, does it matter?

I'll have the return ticket ready, (and all the interstate ones too I imagine) is there anything else I should take? Or know about? Or prepare for?

Thank you.

[Boiler 45,876]

The first one.

[PalmTrees 34]

CBP often like to see that you are able to support yourself whilst over here with funds from a bank account etc. They question people who don't bring (in their eyes) enough money over because there is a chance they would end up working a cash-in-hand job to support themselves, which is something they don't want.

I personally would bring a couple of bank statements in hand luggage. That way if they ask "how will you be supporting yourself during this trip?" (which they likely would as its 2 months long) you can say "I have x amount of money to support myself" and if questioned further you can show them the evidence. Do not volunteer more than they ask for. You do not have to treat them like a diary and overload them with information, but you do have to be honest at all times.

Do you have a part-time job at all? That would be good as proof of intent to return, but I understand it might be difficult having a job and having 2 month off.

Don't worry yourself though and have a great trip

[wonderwall 1]

Bank statements is a good idea, I'll make sure I do that.

I don't have a part time job, so that's out, I plan to start looking for one once I get back.

I have a hotel booked for a place in Queensland once I return to Australia, would they help in looking more credible for intent to return? Should I bring the print out of the booking with me?

[wonderwall 1]

But wouldn't they be lying to the border people? That would cause me trouble if found out, and I don't want to risk that.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Two posts advocating lying to immigration about intent have been removed in violation of the Terms of Service. The OP has already demonstrated the appropriate intention - telling the truth and thus not putting at risk this or any future visits to the US due to denial for misrepresentation.

Don't under-estimate USCIS and Customs and Immigration - they have seen it all and know all the tricks. Following your advice could cause someone a life time of immigration woes.

Edited June 7, 2014 by Kathryn41