May I enter the US on the VWP and then leave and return immediately on a J1?
Is it possible to enter the US on VWP, then leave and return on a J1 visa immediately?
Best Answer
On a thread on Tripadvisor, an almost identical question was asked. In response, user Carmen D mentioned that:
I sent an e-mail to CBP INFO Center.
They told me:
"You are able to enter the U.S. with an ESTA. The burden of proof will be on you to convince the CBP officer your intent while your here in the U.S."
And I asked again and:
"You can visit the US with the visa waiver program. You will be OK with a round trip ticket to show you will leave the US before you start as a postdoc with the J1 visa."
So, it looks like you are fine entering the USA on the VWP, but you will be evaluated as a potential overstay risk just like any other person admitted on the VWP. Make sure you are able to show the immigration official why and how you are going to depart the USA according to the terms of the VWP.
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Can I leave the US and come back 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 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 leave the US before returning on an ESTA?
Therefore, the length of time of your total stay, including the short trip, must be 90 days or less.Can I enter the United States on my f 1 visa after the date of study listed on my i 20?
New Students \u2013 Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.How to Get A J1 Waiver in 2022 (Step-by-Step Process)
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