Malagos

Hi,

So my partner and I have our L1-a Visa's however we have not yet entered the USA for the first time and have also not moved to the USA yet. As I mentioned we both have a L1-a visa but we also have an ESTA form, the question we have is do we enter for our holiday on our L1 Visa or the ESTA form?

Regards

Malagos

NatashaB

Are you both on L1s or is one of you a dependent on an L2? if one is an L2, then they can only enter after or at the same time as the L1. I assume you're travelling together so I would assume you would use the L1.

Malagos

We both have independent L1-a visa from our applicable companies but we also both have ESTAs.

Wintersong

If the purpose of your trip on this occasion is simply a vacation and you won't be working, I'm assuming you would use the ESTA. Hopefully someone else will confirm/correct my assumption!

Owen778

Are you planning to leave the US after your vacation, or go from there to start work?

Malagos

We will be returning to the UK for 2 weeks then we will be making the final move to the USA for our relocation.

I guess I just wanted to check that if I enter using and ESTA and then they find I have an L1 that I will not get in trouble.

Regards

Malagos

Owen778

OK, then use ESTA. The L visa doesn't invalidate it.

ian-mstm

There's nothing wrong with what you propose to do. Enjoy the holiday.

Ian

Malagos

Perfect, thank you all so much! Cant wait for my Holiday now!

Regards

Malagos

yellowroom

The Customs & Border Patrol officer will see the L1 visa in your passport, but will also ask you the purpose of your visit to the USA. In my experience as an L-1b holder, if you say 'vacation' you will be admitted under ESTA, if you say 'business' you will be admitted under your L-1.

Just answer any questions honestly and concisely* and don't try and second guess the officer. It will be fine.

*the example often given here: the answer to the question "do you know the time?" is "yes".