Satisfactory Departure - trying to extend my ESTA!
Nov 15th 2020, 3:10 pm
#16
DE-UK-NZ-IE-US... the TYP
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,855
Re: Satisfactory Departure - trying to extend my ESTA!
Even if the OP gets an extension again and they are not banned from ESTA I think they could face issues in the future if they try another VW entry... the officer is going to see all the extensions and ask a lot of questions....
Nov 15th 2020, 3:29 pm
#18
SUPER MODERATOR
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 88,021
Re: Satisfactory Departure - trying to extend my ESTA!
When does your extension run out, how much time have you got to play with?
I know you've said you don't want opinions on your situation, but do remember that an immi officer may be thinking the same as people on this forum i.e. that there is no reason you can't go back to the UK and stay somewhere other than with your stepdad. I'd also be prepared to prove that you can keep financing your stay in the US, it's a long time to go without working whilst paying living expenses.
Good luck.
I know you've said you don't want opinions on your situation, but do remember that an immi officer may be thinking the same as people on this forum i.e. that there is no reason you can't go back to the UK and stay somewhere other than with your stepdad. I'd also be prepared to prove that you can keep financing your stay in the US, it's a long time to go without working whilst paying living expenses.
Good luck.
Nov 15th 2020, 3:36 pm
#19
Concierge
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 46,387
Re: Satisfactory Departure - trying to extend my ESTA!
Actually, I don't know why the OP is 'afraid' to home because his stepfather is ill with cancer. He will have to quarantine regardless and thus will not be able to get near his stepfather. See the guidelines below:People arriving in the UK from most countries - including British nationals - must self-isolate for 14 days.
Exceptions are made for people coming from countries in travel corridors with the UK, or the Common Travel Area - Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man.
Travellers must fill in a ''passenger locator'' form, with contact details and their UK address. Anyone who does not provide an address will have to pay for accommodation arranged by the government.
For 14 days, starting from the day after arrival, people who are quarantining should not:
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have brought in their own rules, which vary slightly.
There is no excuse not to fly back to the UK that I, as a layperson, can see. If his stepfather dies while the OP is the US, he cannot even fly back and attend a funeral because of the quarantine.
Exceptions are made for people coming from countries in travel corridors with the UK, or the Common Travel Area - Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man.
Travellers must fill in a ''passenger locator'' form, with contact details and their UK address. Anyone who does not provide an address will have to pay for accommodation arranged by the government.
For 14 days, starting from the day after arrival, people who are quarantining should not:
- Use taxis or public transport to reach their destination
- Go to work, school, or public areas
- Have visitors except for essential support
- Go out to buy food, or other essentials, if they can rely on others
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have brought in their own rules, which vary slightly.
There is no excuse not to fly back to the UK that I, as a layperson, can see. If his stepfather dies while the OP is the US, he cannot even fly back and attend a funeral because of the quarantine.
Nov 15th 2020, 3:37 pm
#20
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: Satisfactory Departure - trying to extend my ESTA!
Millions of people here out of status so realistically just another one must admit I assumed the 30 days was a one off
Nov 15th 2020, 9:22 pm
#21
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Location: Los Angeles, California
Posts: 8,424
Re: Satisfactory Departure - trying to extend my ESTA!
Satisfactory Departure is a form of voluntary departure. I used to describe it along the lines of that a statement about leaving Dodge before sundown is a half ass way of saying have a nice day in Dodge. It is not a lawful status; rather it is simply an assurance the minions of the dark forces will not arrest for the time being. I’m afraid the ancillary effects of an overstay will remain.
Nov 15th 2020, 9:33 pm
#22
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Joined: Sep 2017
Location: Miami
Posts: 462
Re: Satisfactory Departure - trying to extend my ESTA!
Hi all!
New to this forum, so please cut me slack.
I’ve tried to see if there was another thread on this but couldn’t find anything. So...
I am a UK resident in the US on an ESTA (part of the Visa Waiver Program, or VWP).
I arrived in mid Feb and have since been able to extend my stay (Satisfactory Departure) on emergency grounds (because of COVID19). I have successfully done this 5 times by calling USCIS and asking to speak to an Information Specialist.
Ten days ago (11/05/20), I attempted to apply again. However, USCIS have changed their automated phone system and it is now seemingly impossible to speak to an agent.
I have tried to email USCIS but they simply bounce back. I have tried the “live chat” on the website, but it does not connect you to a person and is no more helpful than the phone system. I have even direct messaged USCIS via Twitter. None of these has resulted in being able to speak to an agent.
There is no form to download for this. The website is very clear that to attain a Satisfactory Departure you have to speak to an agent in person.
I have already engaged an immigration lawyer, but he has thus far not been able to help me speak to an agent.
My Satisfactory Departure expires tomorrow and I am now desperate.
Is anyone else experiencing similar difficulties or does anyone have a solution to this problem? And advice would be greatly appreciated.
New to this forum, so please cut me slack.
I’ve tried to see if there was another thread on this but couldn’t find anything. So...
I am a UK resident in the US on an ESTA (part of the Visa Waiver Program, or VWP).
I arrived in mid Feb and have since been able to extend my stay (Satisfactory Departure) on emergency grounds (because of COVID19). I have successfully done this 5 times by calling USCIS and asking to speak to an Information Specialist.
Ten days ago (11/05/20), I attempted to apply again. However, USCIS have changed their automated phone system and it is now seemingly impossible to speak to an agent.
I have tried to email USCIS but they simply bounce back. I have tried the “live chat” on the website, but it does not connect you to a person and is no more helpful than the phone system. I have even direct messaged USCIS via Twitter. None of these has resulted in being able to speak to an agent.
There is no form to download for this. The website is very clear that to attain a Satisfactory Departure you have to speak to an agent in person.
I have already engaged an immigration lawyer, but he has thus far not been able to help me speak to an agent.
My Satisfactory Departure expires tomorrow and I am now desperate.
Is anyone else experiencing similar difficulties or does anyone have a solution to this problem? And advice would be greatly appreciated.
My point is, I think you have had a good run, but dont abuse it. Staying on the other side of the Atlantic because you want to keep distance to your vulnerable father sounds a little extreme imo. U r sailing close to the wind...
Nov 15th 2020, 11:21 pm
#23
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: Satisfactory Departure - trying to extend my ESTA!
I know somebody here who got 4 or 5 satisfactory departure extensions also. She got them approved no problem at all (with no major need to stay except that she wanted to)...until her final time - she got told by a CO or whom ever she spoke to that USCIS have been very lenient across the board thus far but this will be the final month. So she enjoyed one more month in the Florida sunshine then off to gloomy Blighty she went (in August). Albeit, she's currently having a little hol in Mexico en route back to the USA.
My point is, I think you have had a good run, but dont abuse it. Staying on the other side of the Atlantic because you want to keep distance to your vulnerable father sounds a little extreme imo. U r sailing close to the wind...
My point is, I think you have had a good run, but dont abuse it. Staying on the other side of the Atlantic because you want to keep distance to your vulnerable father sounds a little extreme imo. U r sailing close to the wind...
Nov 16th 2020, 4:36 am
#25
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: Satisfactory Departure - trying to extend my ESTA!
Can not be certain on dates, but sounds like she came January and stayed until August ish and now is November and coming back, well trying to, is that sort of correct?
Nov 16th 2020, 4:42 am
#26
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: Satisfactory Departure - trying to extend my ESTA!
Satisfactory Departure is a form of voluntary departure. I used to describe it along the lines of that a statement about leaving Dodge before sundown is a half ass way of saying have a nice day in Dodge. It is not a lawful status; rather it is simply an assurance the minions of the dark forces will not arrest for the time being. I’m afraid the ancillary effects of an overstay will remain.
Nov 16th 2020, 4:44 am
#27
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2017
Location: Miami
Posts: 462
Re: Satisfactory Departure - trying to extend my ESTA!
exactly that. She also has an ongoing E2 application. So assuming no issues, this will be last time 'visiting'.
Nov 16th 2020, 4:48 am
#29
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: Satisfactory Departure - trying to extend my ESTA!
Please do, I am fascinated to hear what happens.
Nov 16th 2020, 4:51 am
#30
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Location: Miami
Posts: 462
Re: Satisfactory Departure - trying to extend my ESTA!
Satisfactory Departure
Pursuant to Title 8 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 217.3(a), if an emergency prevents an alien admitted under the VWP from departing the United States within the period of authorized stay, a period of Satisfactory Departure may be granted not to exceed 30 days – provided that the request is made during the period of admission and the alien is still in status at the time of the request. If departure is made within the period of approved Satisfactory Departure, the alien is regarded as having made a timely departure without overstaying the allowed time. In emergent circumstances, requests for Satisfactory Departure may be granted if the alien is out of status but can prove the intent was to depart timely. Requests for Satisfactory Departure are generally adjudicated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Pursuant to Title 8 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 217.3(a), if an emergency prevents an alien admitted under the VWP from departing the United States within the period of authorized stay, a period of Satisfactory Departure may be granted not to exceed 30 days – provided that the request is made during the period of admission and the alien is still in status at the time of the request. If departure is made within the period of approved Satisfactory Departure, the alien is regarded as having made a timely departure without overstaying the allowed time. In emergent circumstances, requests for Satisfactory Departure may be granted if the alien is out of status but can prove the intent was to depart timely. Requests for Satisfactory Departure are generally adjudicated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)