VWP vs. obtaining a visa for the US
I'm flying to the US in order to participate in a startup acceleration program for 90 days from September. I have an Israeli and German passport.
If I use my German passport in order to enter the US (I've already confirmed it by ESTA, and I've been to the US in May this year), I will have to leave the US in order to reset the VWP.
It's important to add that in the middle of September I will come back home for a family wedding.
What will be the best practice:
Using my German passport with the VWP to enter the US in both times. I'm just not sure my VWP will be reset from flying back home for 4-5 days. If no - it will make me stay in the US more than 90 days and that's something I don't want to.
Try to obtain a visa for Israel's citizens which - if granted - will give me the ability to stay in the US for 6 month by default. My only concern is that I will not receive the visa and that it will hurt my ability to use the German passport and the VWP program.
It's a very specific issue but I'm confused.
Best Answer
It seems pretty clear that going to Germany for any length of time ends your stay in the US; your subsequent entry in the US would be a separate visit. from the ESTA site (https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1126/kw/esta/session/L3RpbWUvMTQxMDg1MTk3MS9zaWQvUENOeEJ3Mm0%3D):
Your ESTA authorization is generally valid for multiple trips over a period of two years (starting the date that you are approved) or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Later:
Receiving ESTA authorization does not mean you may stay in the U.S. for two years. It only allows you to travel to the U.S. under the terms of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which only allows you to stay in the U.S. for 90 days or less. If you plan to stay for longer than 90 days, you must obtain a visa at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
If you are already planning to go to Germany, you should probably go with option 1: use the German passport.
Note also that if you plan to stay for longer than 90 days (that is, without returning to Germany or going to any other country), you could also apply for the B visa with your German passport rather than your Israeli passport.
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Is ESTA and VWP the same?
Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Authorization via ESTA does not determine whether a traveler is admissible to the United States.Who is eligible for VWP?
Visa Waiver Program EligibilityYou are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country. You do not have a Visitor Visa. You are planning to stay in the United States for 90 days or less. You are traveling to the United States for business or tourism purposes.Do I need an ESTA or visa for USA?
All travellersYou will need to get a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) visa waiver to enter or transit the USA as a visitor.How do I get VWP for USA?
Fill out the (ESTA) online application. ESTA determines the eligibility of a visitor to travel to the U.S. under the VWP. The processing fee is $4.00, and if you are approved, there is an additional $10.00 authorization charge.About Visa Waiver Program | How to travel in US without a visa | Visa Waiver Program USA 2021 | DHS
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