B2 US visa denied for Buddhist Retreat
Nov 30th 2010, 9:34 pm
#31
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Posts: 2
Re: B2 US visa denied for Buddhist Retreat
Thanks Rene for this and the replies above. Clear, concise and helpful. Yes, it seems the 85 days is the safest option at the moment anyway.
With the declaration on the ESTA, previously I have done this after booking my flight tickets. Given that the ESTA is not as sure this time because of the prior denial, would you recommend applying for it before getting tickets if it is possible or otherwise insuring for cancellation of this nature again if possible? Otherwise I could be looking at yet another expensive denial.
I also understand that there is process to appeal if the ESTA is not granted? Can you confirm this to be the case?
With the declaration on the ESTA, previously I have done this after booking my flight tickets. Given that the ESTA is not as sure this time because of the prior denial, would you recommend applying for it before getting tickets if it is possible or otherwise insuring for cancellation of this nature again if possible? Otherwise I could be looking at yet another expensive denial.
I also understand that there is process to appeal if the ESTA is not granted? Can you confirm this to be the case?
No appeal, just try again or go for a B.
By the way, I have the same UK ties as you do.
Nov 30th 2010, 9:58 pm
#32
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Re: B2 US visa denied for Buddhist Retreat
Ah and I see that you said before that you'd had a B2 denied but then went on the VWP with no problems. Was this after or before ESTA came into play?
Last edited by sambhodi; Nov 30th 2010 at 10:31 pm.
Nov 30th 2010, 10:00 pm
#33
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Location: Phoenix, Arizona
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Re: B2 US visa denied for Buddhist Retreat
Hi again David, well I did have an approved ESTA since I visited the States last July for teachings but I understand that I will have to apply again since the visa application was denied. I was thinking that return plane tickets would help with the ESTA as evidence of date of return but I am not sure about this and it is an expensive risk. Any ideas?
Double check whether the ESTA asks about previous visa denials.
Rene
Nov 30th 2010, 10:25 pm
#34
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Re: B2 US visa denied for Buddhist Retreat
Is the ESTA system not linked to the airlines computer systems so they know whether the flights have been purchased, or is that too Orwellian even for the US consulate?
Nov 30th 2010, 10:31 pm
#35
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 35,082
Re: B2 US visa denied for Buddhist Retreat
Since it is valid for two years, just think about it.
The only way you will know is to re-do your ESTA application and see what it says.
Nov 30th 2010, 10:55 pm
#36
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Re: B2 US visa denied for Buddhist Retreat
So no, you don't need to have purchased the return ticket in order to complete ESTA. You have to have it by the time you land at the POE.
Rene
Dec 1st 2010, 7:27 am
#38
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Re: B2 US visa denied for Buddhist Retreat
Do you mean 'think about it' in terms of taking care in actually completing the form or in some other sense?
I do not plan to look for employment until next September when the short-term lease ends on my flat in London and I go back to live there. The original plan to continue to practice and study full time until then, is still very much in place and I will be staying at Buddhist centres in Europe for this purpose. Do you think my unemployed status will mean it is unlikely that I will get the ESTA during this time?
Would I improve my chances by waiting 6 months until after the date of the visa denial which was in September just gone?
If you apply and it is denied does this mitigate you chances of success on the next application?
Last edited by sambhodi; Dec 1st 2010 at 7:30 am.
Dec 1st 2010, 12:58 pm
#39
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Location: Kentucky
Posts: 38,865
Re: B2 US visa denied for Buddhist Retreat
Would I improve my chances by waiting 6 months until after the date of the visa denial which was in September just gone?
If you apply and it is denied does this mitigate you chances of success on the next application?
Ian
Dec 1st 2010, 1:41 pm
#40
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Re: B2 US visa denied for Buddhist Retreat
You need to separate ESTA from the VWP... they're linked, but they're not the same. ESTA gets you onto the plane... but it's the VWP that get's you past the border officer. ESTA doesn't ask whether or not you're employed. However, when you show up at the border, the officer might ask if you're employed... and if you're not, it could well go against you.
I'm surprised no one else chimed in about this. I've already given you my thoughts on it.
No.
Ian
I'm surprised no one else chimed in about this. I've already given you my thoughts on it.
No.
Ian
Dec 1st 2010, 2:33 pm
#41
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Posts: 2
Re: B2 US visa denied for Buddhist Retreat
Does a refused Visa trigger the need to update ESTA?
Never done ESTA but I did not think that was the case?
Never done ESTA but I did not think that was the case?
Dec 1st 2010, 3:22 pm
#42
American Expat
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,598
Re: B2 US visa denied for Buddhist Retreat
Yup. According to the Fact Sheet, you need to reapply for ESTA if "the circumstances underlying the traveler's previous responses to any of the ESTA applications questions requiring a "yes" or "no" response have changed"
http://cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/trav...sheet_esta.pdf
http://cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/trav...sheet_esta.pdf
Dec 1st 2010, 6:35 pm
#45
American Expat
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,598
Re: B2 US visa denied for Buddhist Retreat
This forum is pretty good. The information isn't always 100%, but it's better than the flyertalk forum that I posted a question about hotel points. It's been 6 weeks without a single response.