Passport Stamp Query
Nov 9, 2011 | 1:48 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 5
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;
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!
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;
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!
Nov 9, 2011 | 2:12 pm
#3
In Memoriam
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: dallas texas usa
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Posts: 14,828
Nov 9, 2011 | 2:31 pm
#4
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: JAX / MUC / BER
Programs: DL DM, LH SEN, Mariott Titanium
Posts: 372
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.
Nov 9, 2011 | 4:53 pm
#6
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 634
You'll have no problem. Lots of people here visit the USA very very frequently on the Visa Waiver Program without problems.
Nov 9, 2011 | 6:36 pm
#7
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA 1K/AS Titanium …Bonvoy Titanium..Hertz Presidents Club
Posts: 1,350
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.
Nov 10, 2011 | 6:38 am
#8
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 181
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.
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.
Nov 10, 2011 | 12:25 pm
#10
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: San Francisco
Programs: UA 1K/AS Titanium …Bonvoy Titanium..Hertz Presidents Club
Posts: 1,350