Hi,

I am Irish citizen who has quit his job and planning to travel in the US between mid Sept. and Christmas this year. The total trip will be over 90 days(about 110 in total) but I will be going to Central America/Colombia in November before returning to the US which I believe allows me to get a new 90 days on my return to the US.

My question is simple, should I apply for a B2 visa or will the VWP be fine? As long as I have proof of my flight to central america within 90 days, will this be OK for entry and again re-entry?

I worry that if I apply for B2 it might look suspicious as I have quit my job and have nothing tying me back to the UK. I have no plans to emigrate illegally.

The application isn't what's suspicious; it's the fact you want 90 days in the US and then are coming back. I don't think either the VWP or the B2 will help you much in terms of getting rid of any suspicion. And the re-entry, as long as it's not from Canada or Mexico, will entitle another 90 days on the VWP. Unless they think you're gaming the system, in which case they can deny you entry and make you get a visa. But then again, if you get a B2 beforehand, and they think you've immigranted to the US, they can deny you entry as well. I might go for the B2, though, just for peace of mind. I think it boosts your story that you knew you were going to visit other countries. But it kind of depends how long you'll be in Central America. If it's just a couple of days, that's going to raise some eyebrows.

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det.../194/related/1

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/det.../751/related/1


You might get questioned a bit no matter which route you take-VWP or B2, but the US gets relatively few immigrants-legal and illegal- from Western Europe- so that should help. I'd bring proof of your flights, including your flight back to Ireland. but I wouldn't worry too much.

Have fun in the US!

If you are unemployed and young, a B1/2 visa is likely to be denied.
Once denied you must declare it on ESTA and you probably will also be denied.

Thanks guys. I will go for the VWP and will not mention my plans to travel to central america. Instead I will book a (fully refundable) return ticket to Europe (with a return date within the 90 days) and say that I intend to visit the US only.

As a point of reference. I entered the US on VWP was let in without a single question.

I then went to Mexico for 10 days and on my return the officer was more suspicous and asked for proof of my return flight. I showed him proof of my fully refundable return flight and he let me in. Glad I had booked this flight home(that I have no intention of taking) as it would have been awkward otherwise.