Work Visa rejected 4 years ago, ESTA approved in August, successful entry this weekend

[thoracicarnold 2]

Hi!

 

I thought I'd just report in with some good news and for anyone with a visa rejection on record that may like to hear. I was rejected for a temporary work visa back in 2019 and given a 214b rejection. 

 

I plucked up the courage to apply for an ESTA in August 2022 and to my surprise, it was approved. This month I finally felt I was in a good position to try and visit the US. I'm currently on a temporary work visa in Canada - I have a job here in Canada which I've been in for just under a year, and a rental agreement, I'll also shortly be applying for permanent residency in Canada, and I have a trip booked back to my home country next month as well as a few other trips. Aside from that, I didn't feel my ties were massively strong (well, to me they are, but maybe not from CBP's perspective). I went on a weekend trip via a land border, and I was also with a Canadian citizen who has nexus - so I think this might've also helped. Got asked a few generic questions such as what my job is, what we'd be doing, and when we were leaving. I was worried that some questions about my visa rejection would come up, and was also concerned that as we were travelling via car then I'd have nothing to prove that I would return back to Canada a few days later (though I did have proof of flights out of Canada the following month as mentioned) - but not to worry, this wasn't a concern from the border agent and I didn't need to mention or show any of the documents I brought as proof that I'd be leaving. 

 

All in all a very smooth process and I'm very relieved to have been able to visit the US again as I spent years reading this forum and worrying about not being approved an ESTA or not being allowed in due to my visa rejection, or not having strong enough ties to Canada.  

 

Don't listen to everything you read online like I did  totally convinced myself I wouldn't get in. Perhaps it was luck, perhaps it would've been different with a different agent.

[Boiler 45,451]

Most people seeking entry on the VWP are asked a couple of routine questions then let in. Obvious we tend to see the extreme cases more often here as most people travel with out a second thought.