Probably a dumb question...
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 64
Probably a dumb question...
A quick, dumb one...
My Scottish boyfriend applied for his passport several months ago, and he's waiting for it's arrival. That's all great... He then intends to travel to US so we can meet and have the fairy tale life we think we're going to have (hehe).
Anyway, is there any special application or paperwork we need to submit to receive a VWP, or does he just buy his airfare and come.
We now realize that this is the first step in our K-1 process (if things work out).
So basically, what do we need to do once his passport arrives?
THANK YOUUU
My Scottish boyfriend applied for his passport several months ago, and he's waiting for it's arrival. That's all great... He then intends to travel to US so we can meet and have the fairy tale life we think we're going to have (hehe).
Anyway, is there any special application or paperwork we need to submit to receive a VWP, or does he just buy his airfare and come.
We now realize that this is the first step in our K-1 process (if things work out).
So basically, what do we need to do once his passport arrives?
THANK YOUUU
#2
Re: Probably a dumb question...
On the plane, he will fill out a green I-94W card. At the POE, they will put a date on that card how long he can stay in the USA (usually 90 days). He hands that card back in when he leaves the USA.
Rene
#4
Re: Probably a dumb question...
No paperwork necessary on his part. Just show his passport and get on the plane.
On the plane, he will fill out a green I-94W card. At the POE, they will put a date on that card how long he can stay in the USA (usually 90 days). He hands that card back in when he leaves the USA.
Rene
On the plane, he will fill out a green I-94W card. At the POE, they will put a date on that card how long he can stay in the USA (usually 90 days). He hands that card back in when he leaves the USA.
Rene
He should complete an ESTA application online before traveling on the VWP, this gives him a pre-clearance to use the VWP.
Rene
#5
Account Closed
Joined: Aug 2002
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 38,865
Re: Probably a dumb question...
https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov
Ian
#6
Re: Probably a dumb question...
Ooh yeah - obviously it's been a while since we've done that! See - good to have so many smart peeps on this site.
#7
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2009
Location: Virginia
Posts: 475
Re: Probably a dumb question...
Hi,
Like Rene said, 90 days is the limit for the VWP. Rule of thumb with the VWP is to spend more time out of the USA than in, in a 12 month period when visiting each other.
When you arrive in the USA you complete an I-94W, the airline will give you this. The officer at the POE will tear off the lower portion and give it to you, usually stapled into your passport.
When you come to leave the USA you hand in this part of the I-94W (with the details of your departure completed) at the airport, to show that you have left the USA. I used to keep a photocopy of this part of the I-94W before handing it in so that I had details of my departure record.
Like Rene said, 90 days is the limit for the VWP. Rule of thumb with the VWP is to spend more time out of the USA than in, in a 12 month period when visiting each other.
When you arrive in the USA you complete an I-94W, the airline will give you this. The officer at the POE will tear off the lower portion and give it to you, usually stapled into your passport.
When you come to leave the USA you hand in this part of the I-94W (with the details of your departure completed) at the airport, to show that you have left the USA. I used to keep a photocopy of this part of the I-94W before handing it in so that I had details of my departure record.
#8
Re: Probably a dumb question...
A round trip ticket is a requirement of using the VWP.
A couple of people have missed that lately.
A couple of people have missed that lately.
#9
Re: Probably a dumb question...
For example, you come visit the USA from Jan - March (starting a 12-month period in Jan). Then you come visit again from Oct - Dec (ending that 12-month period). It's not a good idea to come right back again the next month (Jan -the start of a new 12-month period). You still need to be outside the USA longer between visits than you were inside the USA.
Rene
#10
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2009
Location: Virginia
Posts: 475
Re: Probably a dumb question...
Hi Rene,
Yes, I was referring to a rolling 12 month period (although I did actually ask the officer at the POE about this and was told each case is assessed on its merits, no surprise there).
Yes, I was referring to a rolling 12 month period (although I did actually ask the officer at the POE about this and was told each case is assessed on its merits, no surprise there).
#11
Re: Probably a dumb question...
And be sure that he does not have a criminal past, even one from his juvenile stage. A crime of moral turpitude means he cannot use the VWP.
Can use his ties to Scot if asked and has enough money to last his length of stay.
Also to be honest at the Port of Entry (POE). Answer only the questions asked. The infamous example is: Do you know what time it is? Answer: Yes. Do not elaborate.
Last edited by Rete; Sep 2nd 2009 at 5:52 pm.
#12
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 64
Re: Probably a dumb question...
THANK YOU SO MUCH to you ALL for all your help and passing on your knowledge!!! Impressive group. Glad I found you.
I was on that government site for hours last night trying to navigate a notion of WTH I was reading, and I like it much better here. Somebody here should give them a few pointers on how to lay it out. Maybe it would help with a smoother process for everybody. I say this tongue-in-cheek, but hey maybe there's a visa in it for somebody!
I was on that government site for hours last night trying to navigate a notion of WTH I was reading, and I like it much better here. Somebody here should give them a few pointers on how to lay it out. Maybe it would help with a smoother process for everybody. I say this tongue-in-cheek, but hey maybe there's a visa in it for somebody!
#13
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 64
Re: Probably a dumb question...
Answer only the questions asked. The infamous example is: Do you know what time it is? Answer: Yes. Do not elaborate.[/QUOTE]
That's cracking me up But duly noted.
That's cracking me up But duly noted.
#14
Re: Probably a dumb question...
When you come to leave the USA you hand in this part of the I-94W (with the details of your departure completed) at the airport, to show that you have left the USA. I used to keep a photocopy of this part of the I-94W before handing it in so that I had details of my departure record.