Esta visa- can I obtain 1 if B1/B2 not expired?
My daughter has a B1/B2 visa which expires on 6th Sept 2019. She wants to return to the US in July or August on an Esta visa before the B1/B2 expires. Will she be able to obtain an Esta visa whilst still holding a B1/B2? Thank you for your advice
Best Answer
I don't think you're right about the visa being unsuitable for this trip, though it would be possible to have a better idea about that with more information (see my comment above).
However, there is a way to deal with the uncertainty. Officers are not supposed to admit people under the VWP if they have a valid visa for their trip, so arrive with both and let the officer decide whether the visa is valid for this trip. Step by step:
- Apply for ESTA authorization.
- If it is granted, on arrival in the US
- Avoid using an immigration kiosk. Say you need to speak with an officer. If asked why, say that you're not certain whether the visa is valid for your present purpose. Present the visa to the immigration officer and say "I am not sure whether this visa is valid for this trip, so I got ESTA authorization as well."
- If you cannot speak to an immigration officer, scan the visa at the automated passport control kiosk.
- If the ESTA application is not successful, travel to the US with the visa, or, if you're really worried, apply for a new visa.
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Do I need an ESTA if I have a B1 B2 visa?
Do I need to apply for an ESTA? If you already have a B1/B2 or any other valid visa and you are traveling for the purpose in which it was issued, you do not need to apply for an ESTA authorization.Can I apply for an ESTA if I have a visa?
I have a valid visa. Am I required to apply for ESTA? No. Only travelers entering the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program by air or sea carrier are required to apply for travel authorization under ESTA.Can B1 B2 visa be renewed before expiry?
You do not have to wait until your current visa expires. You can apply for a new visa even if your current visa is valid.Can I apply for a B2 visa if I have an ESTA?
Even if you have a valid ESTA, if you apply for a visa and the application is denied, this is a changed circumstance that requires you to reapply for ESTA and the new ESTA application will likely be denied now that you have a B visa denial on record.B1 / B2 is Tourist / Visitor Visa NOT Good for Working or Doing Business in USA | Don't Abuse Visa
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Answer 2
An ESTA or a B1/B2 visa only grant the right to present yourself at the border to apply for admission. They do not need to be valid for the duration of the stay - only at the time of entering the US. In other countries, visas have to be valid for the whole stay, but that is not true for B1/B2 visa and ESTA in the US.
The length of the admitted stay is also not dependent on the validity of the visa. Entering under the visa waiver program is actually worse here, as this typically means 90 days of allowed stay, whereas B1/B2 grants 180 days. However, the border officer may also choose a lower duration of admission. Regardless of the admitted duration, it should be clear to the officer that your daughter is not trying to live in the US based on her recent travel history.
In any case, there is simply no need to have overlapping ESTAs and B1/B2 visa as with the B1/B2 visa still being valid in August, your daughter can use that.
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