visiting girlfriend on vwp/esta

[A'n'L 735]

1 minute ago, Becci391 said:

I got asked why I am in the US and I said that I want to visit my Fiance. And I was good to go. The only thing the officer said was that he reminded me that I am not allowed to stay longer than the date on my passport stamp.

Most times that's it, but I've also been heavily interrogated. They will grow suspicious if you visit frequently or for long periods of time.

[geowrian 22,338]

6 minutes ago, Becci391 said:

The strong ties are only required if you come to the US on a visitor visa. I never heard that you need to proof strong ties if you enter the US with the ESTA document.

You are totally fine if you have an approved ESTA. That's all you need. I visited my fiance last year here in the US with ESTA. The officer only asked me for how long I was going to stay and how much cash I had on me. I didn't have any documents with me showing strong ties to Germany.

Always be honest. Doesn't matter if you come to the US on a certain visa or ESTA.

 

4 minutes ago, Becci391 said:

That's not required for ESTA. I've never read that tourists with an approved ESTA needed to show strong ties to the home country. And I've seen many people in front of me who came to the US with this document and they never had to show any kind of proof.

Having ties and showing them is always recommended. While people traveling on an ESTA are generally not scrutinized very heavily, sometimes they are still questioned and need to show their ties. The requirement is for anybody coming to visit the US, not just those on a tourist visa.

[grumpymax 2]

5 minutes ago, A'n'L said:

If you travel frequently using ESTA, you might be questioned about intent to stay. It's therefore always recommended to carry proof of ties to your home country, like letter of employment or lease.

it s only the first time i personnally do

 

[A'n'L 735]

Just now, grumpymax said:

it s only the first time i personnally do

 

First time, you should be fine. For the future, remember to not visit too frequently or to bring solid proof of ties if you do.

[Becci391 340]

2 minutes ago, A'n'L said:

Most times that's it, but I've also been heavily interrogated. They will grow suspicious if you visit frequently or for long periods of time.

I was only there for 3 weeks and before that I was in the states in July 2014.

If people want to take proof with them okay but nobody ever told me to do so. That's why I thought strong ties are not required for people with ESTA.

Edited May 1, 2017 by Becci391

[A'n'L 735]

1 minute ago, Becci391 said:

I was only there for 3 weeks and before that I was in the states in July 2014.

If people want to take proof with them okay but nobody ever told me to do so. That's why I thought strong ties are not required for people with ESTA.

I usually visited for less than two weeks and left six months between each trip, had no issues. Once I re-entered after less than two months. I was taken to secondary inspection and questioned about my employment etc. I always carried a letter from my boss and my rental agreement after that. It's generally recommended to do that, also for VWP/ESTA.

[Becci391 340]

Just now, A'n'L said:

I usually visited for less than two weeks and left six months between each trip, had no issues. Once I re-entered after less than two months. I was taken to secondary inspection and questioned about my employment etc. I always carried a letter from my boss and my rental agreement after that. It's generally recommended to do that, also for VWP/ESTA.

Oh...okay.

But it's good to know that you are on the safe side if you have a letter from your employer or apartment lease.

[grumpymax 2]

8 minutes ago, Becci391 said:

I got asked why I am in the US and I said that I want to visit my Fiance. And I was good to go. The only thing the officer said was that he reminded me that I am not allowed to stay longer than the date on my passport stamp.

I never saw people who had to show any kind of proof when they had the ESTA document.

I'm just sharing my experience.

the esta can be less then 90 days ?i might extend depending if i get extra money . how much shall i bring in cash i got 120 in dollars plan to change like 250 euros at the airport 

 

[grumpymax 2]

Just now, Becci391 said:

Oh...okay.

But it's good to know that you are on the safe side if you have a letter from your employer or apartment lease.

i have neither :/ the only ties is my famlilly but i dont see what kind of paperwork could prove it 

[A'n'L 735]

1 minute ago, Becci391 said:

Oh...okay.

But it's good to know that you are on the safe side if you have a letter from your employer or apartment lease.

Yeah, you're never guaranteed entry. It's always up to the CBP officer to just she whether he thinks you're a risk or not.

[geowrian 22,338]

5 minutes ago, grumpymax said:

the esta can be less then 90 days ?i might extend depending if i get extra money . how much shall i bring in cash i got 120 in dollars plan to change like 250 euros at the airport

I'm not sure what circumstances lead to less than 90 days on VWP, but yes it can happen. You cannot extend stay on an ESTA....you have to leave and return. The max is 90 days.

 

Edit: Maybe I misread that? I originally read it as wanting to extend your allowed stay in the US. If you meant extending your planned vacation time up to date in your passport, that's perfectly fine (albeit I recommend leaving a day or 2 before the max in case the flight gets cancelled or you get denied boarding or something).

Edited May 1, 2017 by geowrian

[A'n'L 735]

1 minute ago, grumpymax said:

i have neither :/ the only ties is my famlilly but i dont see what kind of paperwork could prove it 

Are you enrolled in school? Booked any tickets to go somewhere else after your US trip?

 

As I said, don't be too concerned since it's your first visit.

[grumpymax 2]

1 minute ago, A'n'L said:

Are you enrolled in school? Booked any tickets to go somewhere else after your US trip?

 

As I said, don't be too concerned since it's your first visit.

i m technically unemployed like i m in a prgam to change job but when they find out i lef france they be kicking me out my paper work is all in french aswell ^^ 

[grumpymax 2]

Yall removed a bit of my paranoia i will try to post here wednesday when i land and hopeflluy make it to my love one thanks yall

[Ketsuban 1,034]

The border crossing as a VWP entrant is 99.9% of the time no big deal whatsoever. That's the beauty of the VWP. I used to be really nervous too but I was always let in. I never had to show proof of my ties, but they did ask a few times if I had a job. If you're only here for a few days then they like that a lot.