J1 visa, going home to UK, returning to visit using the Visa Waiver Program?
I am currently in the US under a J1 visa programme, and will leave in July 2016 however I would like to come back to travel in the following month of September 2016 on an ESTA? Would this be okay? Is there any time preference for staying in the UK before returning to the US for leisure purposes? Also if I was to then return in December for a Christmas holiday vacation under the same ESTA visa would this be okay? Understanding that I cannot stay longer than 90 days in total.
Best Answer
What you are planning to do complies with the rules. There is no "minimum waiting time" until you can re-enter under the visa waiver program after an expired J-1 visa (and after your DS-2019 expired), provided that your reason for visiting the US is OK with the VWP rules.
Yet, it is very much advisable to bring all documentation that you can provide to show that your are not trying to circumvent the rules, such as, e.g., hotel bookings, conference invitations (if you are travelling to a conference), etc., for your VWP trip. You will need to convince the border agent that you are not doing anything wrong.
Note that if you want to do holiday travels within the US immediately after the end of your J-1 program, you may be able to use the 30-days grace period to do so.
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Is the UK part of the US visa waiver program?
The ESTA allows citizens of Great Britain to visit the U.S. for tourism, business, transit, medical and short study purposes without a visa for up to 90 days per visit. Great Britain was added to the Visa Waiver Programme in 1988.Can I leave and reenter the US on a J-1 visa?
Generally, a J-1 visa holder may not travel outside the U.S. for more than 30 days without being considered to have \u201cabandoned their program\u201d. Any exceptions must be approved, in advance, by your J-1 visa sponsor.Can I reenter the UK on a tourist visa?
To visit the United Kingdom, a person requires permission to do so. This permission can be in the form of the UK Visitor Visa or Leave to Enter the UK. A visitor has to apply for the UK Visitor Visa before travelling to the UK.Do I need an ESTA if I have a J-1 visa?
Individuals traveling on valid visas are not required to apply for ESTA.Waiver of J1 Visa 2 Year Requirement
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