Returning to US with ESTA for second time
First of all, if similar question already exists, I apologize - please provide a link to the other question.
Situation: I have been living in US for over 10 years (green card holder). My girlfriend came to US in June for 2.5 weeks via ESTA. This was her first visit to US; we went on a roadtrip, had tons of fun and tons of pictures together. Now, she's planning on coming back to US at the end of September again but for a longer stay (90 days). Maybe even longer, if we get along together, getting married and working on her immigration status.
Questions:
1) With her being in the states for 2.5 weeks and then coming back to states in ~3 months for 90 days, would this cause any issues? I know there's no specific time that one needs to spend outside of US and it a lot depends on the officer at the airport. But do you see any issue with this time frame?
2) If asked, what should she state as the purpose of the visit? I know lying is not recommended, and we won't do that, but should she say that she's coming to see her boyfriend? I heard that it's not a good idea to say that you're coming to see bf/gf since then there might be an intention for staying in US.
Best Answer
Your gf probably won't be asked very much on her next entry to the US, since she'll almost certainly be using an Automated Passport Control kiosk to clear immigration. On her next visit she should look for these kiosks.
But, in case she does get pulled aside and asked questions, we need to discuss the things you have heard which are actually very bad advice.
It is not a good idea to try to hide the fact that you are coming to visit a boyfriend or girlfriend. Immigration officers are well trained in spotting people who are trying to conceal something, and it's most likely she'll eventually be caught out. She will then be refused entry (or possibly allowed to withdraw application for entry) not because of coming to visit someone in a romantic relationship, which is perfectly fine, but because the officer doubts her true intentions because she was hiding it!
To be completely clear: It is perfectly OK to come to the US to visit a boyfriend or girlfriend. Like everyone else, though, you must be able to demonstrate that you have reason to leave the country. This may be a bit more difficult but if you and she have stable lives, it should be easy enough.
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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 you apply for a second ESTA?
You may apply for a new ESTA before or after a previous one has expired. There are no restrictions on the number of times you can obtain a new ESTA authorization which is valid for two years from the date of issue. If you wanted to, you even could apply for a new ESTA again the day after obtaining the previous one.Do I need a new ESTA for each trip to the US?
There is no need whatsoever to update your ESTA each time you go to the USA within the two year period it lasts for. It even says this on the application form. The address of your new accommodation will be collected in the Advance Passenger Information everyone has to supply to the airline before travel to the USA.What 10 things YOU must to know about ESTA travel authorization. Visa Waiver Program
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