I want to travel in the USA for 12 months - How do I get a V

[MikeO]

Here's the plan:

I ship my bike to the USA in January, spend 12 months touring (PCH to Arctic Circle, Canada etc etc) then, in early 2005, move on to NZ for 3 months, then Oz for 6 months.

I have a US Visa in an expired passport (B1/B2, Multiple Entries, Valid -Indefinitely) This was issued in Belize in 1988. I today found out that ‘Indefinitely’ means for 10 years from issue. Bugger.

No problem, I’ll call the (£1.30 per min) US Embassy Visa helpline. It seems there is no way of getting a Visa which will last longer than 6 months in any year. I asked if it made any difference if I went into Canada and then applied to come back in - no (except that, if the Visa I was issued with was 'Single Entry', I wouldn't be allowed back in at all!).

Furthermore, when I first arrived in the USA, despite what my Visa might say (eg 6 months), the immigration officer could reduce this as he saw fit – there is no way of knowing before I set out on my trip whether this will happen.

So I’m a bit knackered. I’m desperately trying to mentally re-arrange the (very loose) schedule I’d been working around to see if I can reduce the entire US leg of the trip to 6 months without taking out some of the stuff I really wanted to do.

Has anyone got any experience/help/advice? All replies appreciated!

Mike

[G_S]

....now that's a serious bummer.

What if you changed your schedule to arrive in the USA in say June, spend your 6 months there until December, then go across to Canada to see the new year in and return back to the States on the 2nd of January. In theory you'd be in a new year and have a fresh 6 months for your new Visa.

Of course this plan is no good if the year begins at your date of entry to the US... Good luck in your travels.

[MikeO]

Good solution, but not a player, unfortunately. The journey starts in Jan - every day I delay it is eating into the capital which pays for the trip....

Mike

[rocket ron]

Once you are in the U.S how are they going to find you? Stay in the country and out of trouble, they won't know. I have many Eroupean, Mexican friends that do this. (Remember you are breaking the law.) Have you tried applying for a second visa at a later date to come back from Canada?
You could take the Alaskan Marine Highway (ferry) from Bellingham Washington to Alaska,(Check, but I don't think this is considered leaving the U.S because it is a U.S. boat. There are no customs on or off the boat. Its only stops are in U.S. cities.) ride to Prudhoe bay and back down to the Canadian/U.S.border. I have taken the ferry and highly recomend it. The best way to take it is with your tent and sleeping bag on the sun deck! You get to sleep with all the scenery and fun! The scenery is awsome! I would recomend getting off in Valdez, Seward or Homer Alaska. Hains or Skagway are to far south and you have to enter and exit again.

Have you thought about flying to NZ or OZ from Vancover? It might even be cheeper.

Unless you enjoy the the cold, rain and snow I would'nt head to Alaska before May 15th.You will still get a lot of rain and maybe a little snow at this time of year. On my trip to the arctic circle I left May 17th from San Diego because this time of year has the least amont of bugs and according to the weather charts,it was the driest time of year. (I had rain most of the way up and snow 2 times. Tent camping in the campgrounds was closed in Canada because the bear's were just waking up due to the late spring.)

I have never herd of any one's visa being shortened in the past but time's have changed. I don't think I would worry about it being that you are from England.

Any would like more info or help planning this trip you can e-mail me.

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Rocket

[MikeO]

Ron,

thanks for the reply and I'll certainly take you up on the offer of help planning! I'd considered the option of just 'overstaying', but was put off by advice I was given elsewhere that, when I eventually left the USA, I would be disqualified from EVER re-entering because I'd broken the rules. I don't know if this advice is accurate, but it doesn't seem unlikely in the present climate.

As regards flying from Canada to NZ, it would mean missing out being a 'leaf-peeper' in New England in the fall, which I really want to do.....

I'm going to try a long pleading letter to the Embassy, which I guess will probably be ignored, but you've gotta try

Mike

[This message has been edited by MikeO (edited 25 October 2003).]

[rocket ron]

Send me an e-mail detailing your trip and the timing, you can get my address from my profile. I think that would be more apropreiate than using the hubb. I am also listed in the communities. What about riding the trans Canadian highway and entering back into the us on the east coast.

I have friends in Vermont that could help you with the New England part of your trip. I can't speak for them but they may be able to put you up or get you a place to stay.

Friends in NZ that are always welcoming travelers.

I think the advice for over staying is correct.

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Rocket

[This message has been edited by rocket ron (edited 26 October 2003).]

[rocket ron]

Originally posted by rocket ron:
Send me an e-mail detailing your trip and the timing, you can get my address from my profile. I think that would be more apropreiate than using the hubb. I am also listed in the communities. What about riding the trans Canadian highway and entering back into the u s on the east coast. Can you get another type of visa for entering the u s the second time? I'm not sure how the u s would know when you left the second time. They dont check if you drive or walk accross the border

I also have friends in Vermont that could help you with the New England part of your trip. I can't speak for them but they may be able to put you up or get you a place to stay.

Friends in NZ that are always welcoming travelers.

I think the advice for over staying is correct.

[KevinMc]

B1/B2 visa is valid for only 6 months, and included any time spent in Canada or Mexico, if you allowed multiple entries. You must apply for a visa extension in the US while here under your original visa. They will be looking to see if you have the money to support yourself without illegally taking a job or attending school. If you go to Canada after the B1 visa expires, you can enter under a waived visa status for 90 days, but cannot apply for a visa extension with a waived visa. Going across the borders does not "re-set" the clock. You are admitted to the US solely at the discretion of the BHS agent at your port of arrival. They have no obligation to admit you, even if you have a valid visa. They can also decide how long to give you, but generally they are still giving 180 days. Part of what they now want to see is your money- and your ticket out to demonstrate you have a reason to leave when you say you do. Without a departing plane ticket, they could hassle you. Totally depends on the guy you talk to, what his mood is, if he thinks you are a jerk, etc. Best be a good boy and behave.

[Susan Johnson]

<font face="" size="2">"As regards flying from Canada to NZ, it would mean missing out being a 'leaf-peeper' in New England in the fall, which I really want to do....."</font>

Hi Mike

You can take it on good authority that eastern Canada (Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, has just as nice leaf colour as New England in the fall. Our colours start a week or two earlier than in the US. British Columbia also has lovely colours, more yellows than red, though, and the most spectacular scenery in North America (and I have seen quite a lot of North America).

So, come on up to Canada where Brits don't even need visas to visit!

Cheers
Susan

[This message has been edited by Susan (edited 10 November 2003).]