Visiting US while waiting for B2

[Becki Louise 0]

Hey guys

Do you know if you can visit the US on an ESTA while awaiting your interview for the B2?

I've got an active ESTA and have decided, after already making plans (flights etc) to visit the US on this ESTA that later on it will be best for me to get a B2. I can't do the interview for that until August.

So should I still be ok to travel on this ESTA if I submit my application for the B2 now?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[Crazy Cat 41,808]

I am not aware of any prohibition to using ESTA before a B2 interview.  May I ask why you prefer a B2 to ESTA for visits? 

Edited March 30, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[Mike E 11,739]

 

17 minutes ago, Becki Louise said:

 

Do you know if you can visit the US on an ESTA while awaiting your interview for the B2?

 

It depends on why you applied for a B-2.

[Becki Louise 0]

8 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

I am not aware of any prohibition to using ESTA before a B2 interview.  May I ask why you prefer a B2 to ESTA for visits? 

I'd like to travel for longer after this short visit coming up in May 😊

[Crazy Cat 41,808]

8 minutes ago, Becki Louise said:

I'd like to travel for longer after this short visit coming up in May 😊

Be aware that the CBP officer, at the border, will determine the length of each authorized stay when you enter the US.  You are not guaranteed a specific length of time.   Also remember that entering and exiting too much can result in serious consequences.  Do you have a plan B if the B2 is denied?  They could cancel your ESTA. 

Edited March 30, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[Sammy_2496 116]

They might cancel your ESTA if you are denied a B2… I honestly wouldn’t risk it.

[Mike E 11,739]

10 minutes ago, Becki Louise said:

I'd like to travel for longer after this short visit coming up in May 😊

That does not answer the question. 
 

Imagine I am a typical consular officer interviewing you for your visa, or a CBP officer at the port of entry. What answer would you give either?

[appleblossom 2,437]

10 minutes ago, Sammy_2496 said:

They might cancel your ESTA if you are denied a B2… I honestly wouldn’t risk it.

Even if it's not cancelled, the OP would have to reapply, saying they've now had a visa refusal. Which would mean being unlikely to be able to travel using the VWP for quite some time.

 

OP, could you split your travels instead? If you have a specific reason for needing longer i.e. you're hiking the Appalachian Trail, and can show an itinerary, then you may be more likely to get the B2, but otherwise it's a big risk.

[powerpuff 6,677]

I’m just going to leave this here:

 

 

[Sammy_2496 116]

50 minutes ago, appleblossom said:

Even if it's not cancelled, the OP would have to reapply, saying they've now had a visa refusal. Which would mean being unlikely to be able to travel using the VWP for quite some time.

 

OP, could you split your travels instead? If you have a specific reason for needing longer i.e. you're hiking the Appalachian Trail, and can show an itinerary, then you may be more likely to get the B2, but otherwise it's a big risk.

True!

[Crazy Cat 41,808]

57 minutes ago, appleblossom said:

OP, could you split your travels instead?

OP has a multitude of travel plans.  See profile. 

[Mike E 11,739]

4 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

OP has a multitude of travel plans.  See profile. 

And i am out.

 

OP: your plans are going to get you a 5 year ban.

[Sammy_2496 116]

4 hours ago, Becki Louise said:

Hey guys

Do you know if you can visit the US on an ESTA while awaiting your interview for the B2?

I've got an active ESTA and have decided, after already making plans (flights etc) to visit the US on this ESTA that later on it will be best for me to get a B2. I can't do the interview for that until August.

So should I still be ok to travel on this ESTA if I submit my application for the B2 now?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Judging from your previous posts about all of your travel plans and the fact you want a B2 so you can stay longer…. You’re skating on thin ice here and if you do get the B2, be prepared for scrutiny from CBP. 

[SalishSea 17,801]

4 hours ago, Mike E said:

And i am out.

 

OP: your plans are going to get you a 5 year ban.

OP was given great advice about the ‘plan’ in previous posts.   

[SalishSea 17,801]

6 hours ago, Becki Louise said:

Hey guys

Do you know if you can visit the US on an ESTA while awaiting your interview for the B2?

I've got an active ESTA and have decided, after already making plans (flights etc) to visit the US on this ESTA that later on it will be best for me to get a B2. I can't do the interview for that until August.

So should I still be ok to travel on this ESTA if I submit my application for the B2 now?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

You do not have a grasp on the issues at hand.   You need an immigrant visa, and trying to use the B2/VWP in lieu of that has consequences.