FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Strange questions from checkin agent re visa status
Old Jul 31, 2012 | 8:24 pm
  #43  
alex_b
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold, UA Nobody, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,372
Originally Posted by JohanSlam
You entered the US illegally.

You cannot use the VWP for business trips!

Get a business visa.

I am astonished that you are not aware of this.

If you tell the CBP officer you are on business you will be deported and the airline will be fined which they will attempt to recover from you.
This is completely and utter rubbish, as the CBP Website states:
Q: What is the Visa Waiver Program?
A: The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is administered by DHS and enables eligible citizens or nationals of designated countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa.

Bolding mine.

Now for work that would be different, but if he is entering as a business visitor or to attend meetings or conferences he will be fine.
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