Apply for ESTA after OPT grace period has ended.

[Panatu 0]

Hello there.

Briefly this is my situation: next February 17th 2016 my opt will expire and I will enter into the 60 grace period until roughly mid April. My question is: If I leave before the grace period ends to attend a wedding in Cancun, will I be allowed to apply for an esta touristic visa and re enter the U.S for the 3 months allowed by the ESTA? If yes, how long do I have to wait outside the U.S before I can apply online for the ESTA?

Thanks a lot to anyone who can help.

Cheers

[canadian_wife 1,822]

Your question of can you apply for ESTA...of course.

However granting of ESTA and admittance into the US are never a guarantee. Why do you want to go back after your grace period ends?

good luck

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

Yes you can apply, the day you leave the USA.

You will likely get ESTA, the electronic approval.

However, I do think there is a decent chance you will have trouble when you try to re-enter the USA, if it is only a week or two after you leave. A lot will depend on why you want to re-enter, and for how long. If, say, you leave 10 days into your 60 day grace period and want to stay another week in the USA to move out of your apartment, it will likely be allowed; if you leave 59 days into your grace period and want to stay another 90 days, chances are much slimmer.

[Panatu 0]

First of all, thank you guys for helping out.

I have never used ESTA before, will I need to explain the reasons of my 3 months stay? What do you guys recommend to say at the airport as for reasons of staying without incurring in uncomfortable situations ? Will vacation time be good enough?

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

You need to tell the truth and yes, they usually ask why you are entering the United States, especially in a case like yours, you can expect some detailed questions. The problem with 3 months vacation is, that is what the 60 days grace period is for.

[Unidentified 2,930]

First of all, thank you guys for helping out.

I have never used ESTA before, will I need to explain the reasons of my 3 months stay? What do you guys recommend to say at the airport as for reasons of staying without incurring in uncomfortable situations ? Will vacation time be good enough?

The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. They're pretty good at spotting liars so don't try to make something up.