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Passport Stamp Query

Hi,

Not sure if this is the correct place to post this. If not, I do apologise.

I visited the US through PHL on 19th of last month under the Visa Waiver Program (UK citizen here) for 2 1/2 weeks to visit my girlfriend. I was admitted through immigration and given the following passport stamp;
http://i.imgur.com/KHMRF.jpg
I'm completely new to flying, so I do apologise if the following questions sounds dumb. I notice the stamp has two dates on it, the first is obviously the date I arrived.. but what exactly does the date; 17 Jan 2012 mean? Does this mean I can travel freely back into the US until that date without worry of being refused entry? Or does that date only apply to my last visit?

The reason I ask is that I'm hoping to visit again next month to spend Christmas with her & her family for a period of 3 weeks. I'm just a bit concerned that immigration may give me a hard time to visiting again so shortly after my previous visit.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can answer my newbie-ish question! :)

I believe that is the date by which you must leave the United States. As a VWP participant, you are entitled to a 90-day stay.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 14940674 (Post 17421236)

I believe that is the date by which you must leave the United States. As a VWP participant, you are entitled to a 90-day stay.

i agree....

Yes, it means that the current entry allows you to stay no later than that. When you enter in a few weeks you will get another stamp with 90days stay from that entry date.

Thanks all for the swift responses, and for clearing up my confusion. :)
Hopefully I won't have any trouble getting in again so soon after my last visit!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xarain (Post 17421501)

Thanks all for the swift responses, and for clearing up my confusion. :)
Hopefully I won't have any trouble getting in again so soon after my last visit!

You'll have no problem. Lots of people here visit the USA very very frequently on the Visa Waiver Program without problems.

Quote:

Originally Posted by acunningham (Post 17422257)

You'll have no problem. Lots of people here visit the USA very very frequently on the Visa Waiver Program without problems.

As stated, the date below is the 90 day mark for you to remain in the US. they may wonder why you are back so soon. You need to prove to them that you are not an intended immigrant without proper authorization.

There is no guarantee until one presents yourself for inspection. Every entry to the US is treated as if it is the person's first entry. Granted that the vast majority of individuals entering the US are bonafied, there are those who are refused on a daily basis.

As pointed out, the second date is the date by which you must depart on that particular visit. It does not entitle you to re-enter after departing (nor would having a multiple-entry tourist visa either) as you must show you meet the requirements of the VWP on every entry -- this is true even if you take a day trip to Canada or Mexico on one of your visits.

In reality, as long as you have a good explanation for why you are visiting and can prove you are not seeking to emigrate to the U.S., you will be fine. For instance, if you have a job in the U.K. and you are on leave while visiting the U.S., you shouldn't have any problems.

What's the doodle on the stamp next to "Class"?:confused:

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpninfinite (Post 17425031)

What's the doodle on the stamp next to "Class"?:confused:

"WT". Waiver tourist. Classification under the visa waiver program. If entering for business purposes, it would be "WB".