Can I re-enter the USA after just a couple of days out of the country on a visa waiver?
I know that ideally I would go back home for a while before returning to the US, but my son is a US citizen and he asked for my help as he has a newborn. I’m financially stable, so is my son. Since the baby was born prematurely and both my son and his wife work full time, they need my help to stay a bit longer. I have no intention to stay in the US permanently. Also I found out about the 90-day restriction when I entered in the US. I bought a flight ticket to return in 5 months.
Now I’m planning to travel to Central America, stay one night and come back to the US. What’s your opinion? Is it likely to be ok or not? Thanks for all the feedback!
Best Answer
While a trip to Central America theoretically restarts the VWP clock, you run a significant risk that you will be denied entry on your return. The VWP is intended for "short and occasional" visits, and it is forbidden to use the VWP to live in the US for extended periods.
There is a considerable amount of subjectivity in what the border officer considers to be "short and occasional" and "extended periods". You may get admitted without even a second thought. Or they may consider that five months is too long. Or they may give you intense questioning to establish your intentions.
You should be prepared to provide lots of evidence that you will in fact return home after five months, and that you are able to support yourself, eliminating the possibility that you will attempt to work in the US.
You might also consider applying for a visa. If it is approved then you remove all uncertainty.
Pictures about "Can I re-enter the USA after just a couple of days out of the country on a visa waiver?"
Can I leave and reenter the US on ESTA?
Minimum waiting period between two trips to the USA with an ESTA. Travellers are not allowed to leave the United States for a short while and then come back solely to refresh the 90-day validity period. Even so, there is no official minimum required waiting period between two trips to the USA with an ESTA.How long do you have to be outside the US before returning?
Therefore, the length of time of your total stay, including the short trip, must be 90 days or less.Can I visit USA multiple times?
You may travel to the U.S. as many times as you like during the period of validity of the visa. There is no restriction on the number of times you may visit.Can I come back to US after overstaying?
Overstays & Unlawful Presence If you enter the United States with a valid visa (for example, a tourist or student visa) and overstay by less than 180 days, your visa will be considered void and you'll need to get a new visa in your home country if you want to come back to the United States.Can your loved ones return to the US after Deportation or Voluntary Removal? [Q\u0026A]
More answers regarding can I re-enter the USA after just a couple of days out of the country on a visa waiver?
Answer 2
You can reenter, with the same small risk as your previous (and each) entry.
Central-America does reset the 90-day counter (but not Mexico and the Caribbean), but even if it wouldn't, you are within the original limit.
You should have proof of your booked final flight out of the US (they'll ask to see it, and might even verify it with the airline online; a booking confirmation email is good enough), and if questioned, explain that the Central America trip was a vacation interruption of a longer family visit.
(we did the same thing just in June, and there were no issues).
You are probably aware that every entry has a small risk of being denied, but your extra trip will not make it more risky.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Element5 Digital, Karolina Grabowska, Sharefaith, Karolina Grabowska