I'm British, and flying to the US in late August. About 10 years back, I had a few months research/study placement in America, travelling a J1 Visa. I was granted the visa and allowed into the US. However, when I got to the US border there was some paperwork missing and I think I was let in on a temporary arrangement while paperwork was sorted out by me and the institution I was working at. My placement in the US went ahead fine. I'm sorry - I know this sounds vague, but it was 10 years back... There's no record of this on the J1 visa paperwork in my passport.

I don't think this counts as being denied a visa, as far as CBP is concerned? https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det...ration-benefit Is it likely to cause problems with my ESTA application, though?

I know I'm leaving it later than ideal to sort out my ESTA as my UK passport needs replacing, so it seems best to do this before applying. My clumsiness is to blame - passport is looking worn enough to be suspicious after my last holiday