B2 visitor visa for the US from the UK- Will I be denied/suspected of trying to immigrate?

[aaoocc 0]

I recently returned to the UK after a trip to the US on ESTA, and would like to return again next year. This trip was very close to the 90 day limit- there was no issue at the border when I told them I would be staying this long. However, for my next trip, I have applied for a B2 visa, but I’m considering cancelling that appointment and continuing to use my ESTA- since I am unemployed and paying for this trip through savings, and staying at a friend’s family home, I’m not sure that the interviewer will be convinced that I’m not planning to stay. Is it worth the risk? Relevant question- how long should I leave between visits to the US on ESTA? I was thinking about returning in January or February, but I’m not sure if that will raise questions even if I present proof of a return ticket. I’ve heard anything from a month to twice the time you spent in the US as the acceptable gap between trips. 

[wildbug100420 112]

1 hour ago, aaoocc said:

I recently returned to the UK after a trip to the US on ESTA, and would like to return again next year. This trip was very close to the 90 day limit- there was no issue at the border when I told them I would be staying this long. However, for my next trip, I have applied for a B2 visa, but I’m considering cancelling that appointment and continuing to use my ESTA- since I am unemployed and paying for this trip through savings, and staying at a friend’s family home, I’m not sure that the interviewer will be convinced that I’m not planning to stay. Is it worth the risk? Relevant question- how long should I leave between visits to the US on ESTA? I was thinking about returning in January or February, but I’m not sure if that will raise questions even if I present proof of a return ticket. I’ve heard anything from a month to twice the time you spent in the US as the acceptable gap between trips. 

Why are you applying for a visa when you have esta? 

[appleblossom 2,563]

1 hour ago, aaoocc said:

I recently returned to the UK after a trip to the US on ESTA, and would like to return again next year. This trip was very close to the 90 day limit- there was no issue at the border when I told them I would be staying this long. However, for my next trip, I have applied for a B2 visa, but I’m considering cancelling that appointment and continuing to use my ESTA- since I am unemployed and paying for this trip through savings, and staying at a friend’s family home, I’m not sure that the interviewer will be convinced that I’m not planning to stay. Is it worth the risk? Relevant question- how long should I leave between visits to the US on ESTA? I was thinking about returning in January or February, but I’m not sure if that will raise questions even if I present proof of a return ticket. I’ve heard anything from a month to twice the time you spent in the US as the acceptable gap between trips. 

 

Why do you wish to return so quickly and for so long - do you have a significant other in the US you're visiting?

 

Your chances of a B visa are very slim as you have ESTA available to you, unless you can show a specific reason for wanting to stay longer in the US. Whether you want to risk it is up to you, remember that if you get denied then you'd have to redo your ESTA and that would likely be denied too, so you may not be able to visit for quite some time.

 

Trying to return in January or February could look like you're trying to live in the US without the proper visa. If you've only just come back after 3 months ish I wouldn't even consider trying to return until April at the earliest personally. 

[smilingstone 179]

The ESTA application asks if you have ever been denied a visa for entry to the US. If you pursue the B2, but they deny you, as @appleblossom says, you will need to reapply for your ESTA but you will then be potentially ineligible for it, rendering you without both ESTA and B2.

 

It would be safer for you to wait longer between now and your next trip. If you're just visiting a friend and not intending to immigrate via tourism (visa fraud), then what's the rush?  

 

Good luck!

[Boiler 45,544]

Forget the  B

 

wait until you are employed and keep the trip much shorter.