Originally Posted by gentian (Post 13336934)

Planning to use my first Visa for our first ever trip to the states next month. Going to make sure I take printed details of my hotel booking and return flight, is there any other documentation I should take with us? And can any recent waiver travellers tell me what I can expect at immigration? Will be flying into JFK in case that has a bearing.

Originally Posted by Stillstanding (Post 13336907)

Dropped off passport today in Holborn.
email received confirming drop off and to be delivered tomorrow to the US consular section.
fingers crossed I get it back with a visa in it.

Originally Posted by Arn217136 (Post 13336914)

Hi all, looking for some advice here. I have committed an assault occasioning bodily harm in Dec 2024 and was convicted in Aug 2025 to 100 hours of community service, this is my first run in with the law (not even a speeding ticket). I have completed the community service and had therapy (CBT) up to the end of last year. I have a letter from my therapist commenting on my rehabilitation and also a letter from the probation service that due to my actions since I am considered a very low level risk of reoffending and I have been considered to be rehabilitated and have been released from their supervision.
I had an appointment on Monday for my B2 tourist visa as my wife and I would like to go on holiday to the US but I was denied as I am considered ineligible under section 214b. As I understand 214b relates to the ties I have in the UK not being strong enough, but I have a wife, house and full time employment here. I did not know a consular officer could recommend a Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver and this was not mentioned during the interview. What would be the most sensible way forward here? Reapply for the same b2 visa at a later stage (lets say next year?) and ask if they can consider a Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver and showing more evidence of my rehabilitation? Or should I consider this denial a clear way of saying this is not happening for the foreseeable future?
Any input is much appreciated!

Originally Posted by SethFreakingRollins (Post 13336960)

When you arrive at the airport, you will queue with everyone else, get asked the same questions about where you are staying, how long, what you have planned. You will then probably get asked why you need a Visa and can’t travel using an ESTA. You will then get taken to what is called secondary screening. I have never flew in to JFK, but flew in to newark twice, San Francisco and Las Vegas and secondary is pretty much the same in all of them. It’s basically a waiting room where you’ll wait to be called up to the desk by another officer who, in my experience, hasn’t really questioned any more than the first officer. I don’t recall ever being asked for any documentation. They stamp your passport and away you go. The longest I waited at secondary was in San Francisco and I waited for 45 mins. Second time in Newark I was through secondary before my case had even come out. I think it just depends on how many people are in secondary at the time. Getting the Visa in the first place is the hardest part, so travelling and entering the US with one is nothing to worry about. Just be completely honest with whatever they ask you and you will be fine

Originally Posted by gentian (Post 13337049)

Thanks. Heard some people's experiences were far worse than that, phones being taken, being held up for hours on end and all sorts. Sounds like you've had a far better experience so I'll hope for the same.

Originally Posted by gentian (Post 13337049)

Thanks. Heard some people's experiences were far worse than that, phones being taken, being held up for hours on end and all sorts. Sounds like you've had a far better experience so I'll hope for the same.

Originally Posted by BigRedAnt (Post 13337276)

I flew in to the US 3 times in 2025 on a waiver, only went to secondary once (Atlanta), and that only took 10 mins. No requests regarding phones etc.

Originally Posted by Ninjabreadman (Post 13337470)

Just a quick update still not heard anything back and to be honest I’ve kind of give up now.

Originally Posted by Arn217136 (Post 13336914)

Hi all, looking for some advice here. I have committed an assault occasioning bodily harm in Dec 2024 and was convicted in Aug 2025 to 100 hours of community service, this is my first run in with the law (not even a speeding ticket). I have completed the community service and had therapy (CBT) up to the end of last year. I have a letter from my therapist commenting on my rehabilitation and also a letter from the probation service that due to my actions since I am considered a very low level risk of reoffending and I have been considered to be rehabilitated and have been released from their supervision.
I had an appointment on Monday for my B2 tourist visa as my wife and I would like to go on holiday to the US but I was denied as I am considered ineligible under section 214b. As I understand 214b relates to the ties I have in the UK not being strong enough, but I have a wife, house and full time employment here. I did not know a consular officer could recommend a Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver and this was not mentioned during the interview. What would be the most sensible way forward here? Reapply for the same b2 visa at a later stage (lets say next year?) and ask if they can consider a Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver and showing more evidence of my rehabilitation? Or should I consider this denial a clear way of saying this is not happening for the foreseeable future?
Any input is much appreciated!

Originally Posted by joolsjools (Post 13336977)

Really hoping you get a full 5 year visa. Nailbiting 10-14 days ahead if all goes to schedule.

Keep us posted.

jools