Can I enter USA under VWP, leave after 10 days to go to Mexico for 12 days, and then re-enter the US under a J-1 visa to study for four months?
Can I enter the US with a ESTA waiver, leave after 10 days to go to Mexico for 12 days, and then re-enter the US under a J-1 visa to study for four months?
I am entering the US more then 30 days before beginning of J-1 visa.
Best Answer
In principle, this will not work. When entering the US by air under the VWP, you're required to have a round-trip ticket that takes you out of the US, and according to the explicit definition in the regulations, a trip that ends in Mexico is not "round" unless you're a resident there. Since airlines are supposed to enforce these rules, there's a risk that you'll be denied boarding at your origin airport.
In practice, there are anecdotal reports of the round-trip-ticket requirement not being enforced to the letter by either airlines or border guards. So it may work, but it'll be hit-and-miss at best.
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How long do I have to leave America before I can re enter?
There is no set period you must remain outside the USA before returning but: "When traveling to the U.S. with the approved ESTA, you may only stay for up to 90 days at a time - and there should be a reasonable amount of time between visits so that the CBP Officer does not think you are trying to live here.How often can I travel to the USA under the Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP), administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the State Department, permits citizens of 40 countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa.Can you leave and reenter the US with a tourist visa?
Is a Short Overstay a Problem? If you overstayed for less than 180 days, leaving the U.S. will not trigger any bars to reentry. And if you have a visa that's still valid, there's nothing to stop you from booking travel to the United States.What is the length of time in the US for a visa waiver?
It only allows you to travel to the United States under the terms of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which only allows you to stay in the United States for 90 days or less.What is the Visa Waiver Program in USA | ESTA | Stay for 90 Days in the U.S.A | Zavala Texas Law
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