VISA Waiver Program to USA

[ozflyer]

Without any doubt at all i would take it !, dont show it unless asked or questions but i would take it. My "old" passport has saved me a few questions a couple of times to other counties, i have had to pull it out to explain.

E

Whew, thanks for that Evan! I kinda gathered that it would be the best thing to do & yes, old passports are always handy.

 

[ozflyer]

Yes definitely, and if the question was asked this would also show previous entries to the USA and you would be able to prove from your old passport that you left the country. I believe the check-in staff are responsible for removing the green VW slip stapled in your passport.

Great, thanks for that!

For the first time in weeks, I can actually breathe a sigh of relief thanks to you & everybody else here who've replied. I can finally start to look forward to this holiday & I need it after 12 years damn it!

I will let FF members here know of how I went when I get back!

 

[Evan]

Whew, thanks for that Evan! I kinda gathered that it would be the best thing to do & yes, old passports are always handy.

Yes, even for silly things like in Japan they asked if i had been before... They were about to look ask questions because i had no address on my in-comming passanger card (never had before) and quickly pulled out the old passport, they saw the 10 entries or so in a few pages and just waved me though.
E

 

[ozflyer]

Yes, even for silly things like in Japan they asked if i had been before... They were about to look ask questions because i had no address on my in-comming passanger card (never had before) and quickly pulled out the old passport, they saw the 10 entries or so in a few pages and just waved me though.
E

Yes, it's good to have any supporting documents hey. They may seem out of date but I tell ya, they can be a lifesaver!

 

[Skyring]

The ONLY other thing that bothers me though, is that when I was renewing my passport about 2 months ago, I discovered that the Departure Card was still stuck in my old passport! I couldn't remember how/why this wasn't taken from me but we're talking about nearly 12 years ago & I haven't flown overseas in that time..ever.

Echo advice given above. On my second trip to the USA, I discovered with some alarm that after I had departed LAX homewards, the Departure Card was still stapled in my passport. On return home I contacted the Embassy here and was given an address to send the DC to, which I did, along with copies of relevant documentation, such as boarding card and passport pages.

I made sure that I kept a copy of the DC, and relevant correspondence, for my next trip. Nobody ever mentioned it, so presumably it was sorted out.

I suspect that this sort of thing happens all the time, but I'm always careful to ensure the DC is removed when I leave, to avoid any uncertainty.

My take on DCs is that whether or not they are collected on departure doesn't mean that it is evidence that the person has left the USA or not. They'd need direct evidence, such as your physical presence, or a pattern of documents (such as credit card purchases or hotel registrations etc.) to demonstrate a continuing presence.

This is not to say that it might make matters awkward, and being pulled aside for a lengthy interview with phone calls etc. could make onward transfers problematic while the situation is sorted out. Hence travel with whatever documentation you think would help show your bona fides.

On immigration issues, I make two assumptions:
1. The immigration clerks manning the entry checkins are as cough and as petty-minded as the TSA folk.
2. It's their country, and they set the rules for their convenience, not yours.

 

[serfty]

As for the green I94w slip, from posts on this forum I try to ensure it get removed when leaving.

This evening it was removed when checking in and stapled to my BP... IIRC that's a first.

Now back a couple of days; when entering on this trip the agent informed my I was not showing as having left the USA on my last visit back in June. Luckily there was some subsequent UK stamps in my passport.

In June the slip was removed on check-in at ORD by BA liveried staff - it seems my green cardboard information never made it correctly to the databases.

 

[NM]

it seems my green cardboard information never made it correctly to the databases.

Which, of course, would be all your fault and your problem to rectify. The very reason I always ask for a passport stamp on my first arrival after departing USA.

 

[moa999]

Interestingly having checked in ORD-LAX-SYD, I had the check-in agent staple the green card to my ORD-LAX boarding pass, wasn't able to issue the QF BP.
Naturally, gate agent went 'what the' - handed it back to me. Was finally collected when I got off the bus at TBIT

 

[Dave Noble]

Hi All,

I am applying for a B1 Visa, my interview is on the 10th November. It says I need a 5cm*5cm photograph of me on a white background. Can someone tell me if a passport photo is suitable for this (think it is 5cm*3cm)... If not what type of photo comes out at 5cm*5cm?
Thanks

No. When getting a photo taken tell them that you want it for a US visa and they will do the appropriate photograph

Dave

 

[zetski210]

Well, I'm scheduled to fly out on Friday (in two days time) and still have not heard anything from the consulate. I've tried calling their expensive phone number a couple of times and they won't tell me anything. Also tried emailing them and they replied with what sounds like an automated response telling me that "your request is still being processed".

If in the unlikely event that it does turn up I'll be extremely happy, but all I can say is if you have a previous arrest on your record and decide to admit to it and go through with the timely expensive interview process, ALLOW HEAPS OF TIME (like a few months) BEFORE YOU TRAVEL!!!

So for now, back to waiting.
:shock:

Damn, need some more fingernails!

 

[ozflyer]

Well, I'm scheduled to fly out on Friday (in two days time) and still have not heard anything from the consulate. I've tried calling their expensive phone number a couple of times and they won't tell me anything. Also tried emailing them and they replied with what sounds like an automated response telling me that "your request is still being processed".

If in the unlikely event that it does turn up I'll be extremely happy, but all I can say is if you have a previous arrest on your record and decide to admit to it and go through with the timely expensive interview process, ALLOW HEAPS OF TIME (like a few months) BEFORE YOU TRAVEL!!!

So for now, back to waiting.
:shock:

Damn, need some more fingernails!

Am I assuming correctly that you went to Sydney for the interview & visa application etc & not via online to apply for the ESTA?

The fact that they are taking their time to perhaps to 'investigate' may be a positive sign but who knows. Either way, I hope it all goes well for you!

 

[zetski210]

Nah, I went to the one in Melbourne.

The problem is I'm scheduled to present at a technical conference next week; how long do I wait before canceling everything???

 

[ozflyer]

Nah, I went to the one in Melbourne.

The problem is I'm scheduled to present at a technical conference next week; how long do I wait before canceling everything???

Well if you're due to fly out this Friday, it's kind of cutting it thin for you isn't it? I would say, the MAXimum time to hit the panic button would be 24 hrs before your scheduled flight or essentially the day before but I know how it feels like forever waiting hey?

 

[Skyring]

Well if you're due to fly out this Friday, it's kind of cutting it thin for you isn't it? I would say, the MAXimum time to hit the panic button would be 24 hrs before your scheduled flight or essentially the day before but I know how it feels like forever waiting hey?

I wouldn't be expecting a lot of solid work out of US diplomatic staff today.

This whole scheme is very poorly implemented. I haven't heard of any traveller with a minor record - such as being picked up by the cops for childhood shoplifting - who has tried to do the right thing and not lie or prevaricate on their VWP form, who hasn't been subjected to delay, expense and stress.

Nor have I ever heard of anybody being refused entry on the VWP because the Americans looked up who the cops arrested for shoplifting twenty years ago. Or was a bit over the .05 limit. Or whatever.

 

[Dave Noble]

Well, I'm scheduled to fly out on Friday (in two days time) and still have not heard anything from the consulate. I've tried calling their expensive phone number a couple of times and they won't tell me anything. Also tried emailing them and they replied with what sounds like an automated response telling me that "your request is still being processed".

If in the unlikely event that it does turn up I'll be extremely happy, but all I can say is if you have a previous arrest on your record and decide to admit to it and go through with the timely expensive interview process, ALLOW HEAPS OF TIME (like a few months) BEFORE YOU TRAVEL!!!

So for now, back to waiting.
:shock:

Damn, need some more fingernails!

If you have had the interview then normally it is a couple of days to get the passport back unless they have to do subequent queries which can add , iirc, up to a month

I assume that you gave them an Express Post Platinum envelope to return the passport in; have you checked on the auspost site to see if the passport is in the post yet?

Dave

 

[zetski210]

Well, I spoke to the consulate this afternoon and they informed me (after much begging) that my visa has been approved but not yet issued. It may take a day to be issued, it may take a couple of weeks. So, I guess I keep pushing back my flight until it's too late (Tuesday morning) or until I get it.

I tell you, this is very annoying...

 

[ozflyer]

Hey Everyone! As promised, I'm just reporting on how I went with going through LAX using the VWP & continuing on to Toronto. Well, to cut a rather long story short, ALL was great! Had NO problems at all going through immigration in LAX. I was in line for no more than 45 minutes. All they ask you was your purpose of business, how long do you intend to stay etc. My two index fingers got printed as well as having my photo taken, that's it! The immigration officer did NOT go beyond what was written on the I94-W & he was very friendly & polite. Even going through customs was over within seconds. I even stupidly asked the customs officer.."is that it?" She replied, "that's all sir!" & took my customs card & waived me through. My bags weren't checked at all. I made my connecting flight with 1 1/2 hrs to spare.

So it was pretty clear to me that a 'minor' DUI (which was something that I was very concerned with) is not flagged in their system. There was not even a direct reference to it in both the I94-W or the passenger/customs card for Canada. So to go all the way to Sydney to get a visa would've been a pointless & expensive exercise for me if I had done it. Even by definition, a DUI is not a crime involving 'moral turpitude' so one could honestly tick NO in the I94-W. I know that some might debate this but I'm simply basing it on my recent experience & from a relative who's in law enforcement in the US & from a US government website which listed DUI as NOT a crime involving moral turpitude. In my case, because I got a police certificate & nothing was recorded on it, assured me that I really shouldn't have a problem plus the assurances of both friends & members here as well helped a great deal. I do believe though that if it's a more serious DUI (high range), specially ones that would've caused injury &/or damage to property, then I would suggest enquiring (at the very least) about a Visa OR even obtaining a Police Certificate which I do believe you'll need anyway when/if applying for a US Visa.

If there's a couple of things I would advise though, are these:

1) Be polite & always meet customs/immigration officers with a SMILE!
2) Don't act suspicious &/or nervous - stay CALM!
3) Answer questions, clearly & concisely.

I did all of the above in both LAX & Toronto & they didn't even bat an eyelid! I was through in less than 1 minute. I thought Canada was the fastest - it was over in 30 seconds! Overall, I stressed out for weeks....for NOTHING!

Hope this helps anyone who may be wondering how they'll go going to the US or Canada with a minor DUI. Although the above may not always be the exact, same scenario for everybody, it may help a person decide what to do or what to expect.

Well, over & out for me. I'm now enjoying the cold of Canada! Any questions, feel free to post here or PM me.

PS. With regards to my other issue about the green Departure Card still stapled in old my passport, again, NOTHING was mentioned about this so I guess, I wasn't flagged as having overstayed the US nearly 12 years ago. Although I think having a new passport may have helped also.

 

[Tortuga]

I am back from my interview for the B-1 visa. Damn the consulate is like a fortress (no **** huh ). Everything went fine and I should get it in a few days.

 

[zetski210]

Well, I've had to cancel my trip as the consulate is still waiting for authorization to print my VISA and I would be presenting at the conference in LA tomorrow! :evil:

I advise anyone who applies for a VISA if they admit to a previous arrest, to do so as early as possible (like 3 to 4 months early!!).

The only other alternative is to tick "NO" on the forms and have an easy run through. Unless you have serious, multiple convictions on your record, the US immigration system has no way of retrieving your record(s) unless you are applying for a job!

Well, at least I have a VISA....well, will have if it ever arrives

 

[Tortuga]

Well that was quick.. My visa just arrived, took them 1 night. Very impressive from the US consulate