B2 visa for America
 

Hello,

I have recently started planning a RTW trip! My first destination will hopefully be America!

I'm not planning to go for another 2 years but I'm already stressing about my visa application!

I plan on being there for up to 3 months. I'm not able to apply for the visa waiver programme due to a police caution I received a few years back. It was a very minor offence but am now finding it may cause me huge problems!

My concern is that the best time for me to book flights is approx 9-11 months before and from what I have researched you only have 6 months to enter the usa after the visa has been approved? Unless it is a multiple entry visa?

I'm finding all the info a bit of a minefield but want to get things in order now as when I think about it 2 years isn't really that long!! So I have a couple of questions if anyone would kindly give any advice!

1. What is the earliest I can apply for the visa before travelling?

2. Is there a way you can specify you would like a multiple entry visa? (I would like to go back and see more of the country at a later date)

3. Is travelling onto south America enough evidence that you have intentions to leave the country? I will be planning to then travel to Asia and australia!

The reason I plan to go in 2 years is to allow plenty of time to save up! And I'm currently estimating my stay in the USA to cost me between 6-8k which I will have and more to find the rest of my trip.

Sorry this is so long I just wanted to provide as much info as possible!!

Thanks

Lucy

Re: B2 visa for America
 

Welcome to BE.

What and when was the minor offence?

Re: B2 visa for America
 

Hello,

I'm 24 now, it was 3 years ago for common assault.

Thanks!

Re: B2 visa for America
 

Generally, this is true only for immigrant visas. You're applying for a non-immigrant visa, so you can enter the US any time up to the expiry date on the visa.


It sounds as though you're expecting to need a waiver of ineligibility... which is highly unlikely, since common assault isn't a CIMT. Just apply for the visa, you likely won't need a waiver - in which case the visa will be issued that day. If it is issued, it'll likely be valid for 10 years with multiple entries. That's quite common.


When a waiver isn't required, multiple entry is the default. You don't need to specify it.


Yes... but so is your onward plane ticket!

I appreciate that you're planning well in advance, but I don't think it's necessary. Common assault isn't a CIMT, and you usually need a waiver only for a CIMT. I don't think you'll have the problems that you're anticipating. Go ahead and apply for the visa now... and put the worry behind you.

Ian

Re: B2 visa for America
 

Thank you for all your responses!

Has put my mind at ease a bit! I've just read so much conflicting information online and couldn't seem to find the answers I needed. This is my trip of a lifetime and just want it to be as well planned as it can be before going to avoid any disappointment!

I suppose you're right, I have nothing to loose by applying for the visa now!

Thank you!

Re: B2 visa for America
 

Good luck...but it doesn't sound like you need it. ;)

Re: B2 visa for America
 

Just apply for the ESTA now. Give yourself peace of mind and then apply again in two years. Small price to pay.

Re: B2 visa for America
 

I can't apply for esta as I have a police caution, thats what I understand anyway!!