American Visa Nightmares - advice needed!
 

Hi all,
Having a nightmare with US visa people in UK. As I'm in the USA for more than 90 days, I need a visa. Now that I can prove sufficient funds, I was about to post off my application - I phoned the US embassy here to check if I had missed anything. They tell me that their web site is out of date and that EVERYONE who wants ANY kind of visa (other than the 90 day waiver) needs and appointment!!! First they can do - 20th August. My flight leaves on the 15th August! My fault at the end of the day.

Add to this the fact that they want another minium of 5 days to process and send the bits back and I'm looking at a fortnights delay.

Anyway, I'll stop warbling anyone know of a way around this? Or can offer any kind of help?

Frustrated from London!

Recently went to the HU meet in Derby - fantastic day - fantastic crowd.

Brian

A suggestion: Inside your 90 day visa waiver, go to Canada or Mexico. Stay there some time and then reenter the US and get another 90 days.
Good luck,
ChrisB

What Chris says has worked for me - just make sure that you surrender your I-94 card before entering Mexico or Canada since these relaxed crossings don't always require it. Asking for an entry stamp when entering Canada or Mexico would be good, too.

When I re-entered the US on another waiver after being away for a couple of weeks the border guards gave me the third-degree for an hour, suspecting that I was working there illegally. I was, but they let me in anyway http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif

BTW: the Niagara crossing into the US is incredibly easy - didn't even have to take off my helmet last time.

James

In mid 2000 i rode NY - Alaska - Mex and then continued south. Hence crossed the USA-Can border several times. No immigration/customs ever caused any hassle etc, except the first Canadian Border Muppet and that was about my bike insurance.

Post 9/11, things could be different, but with a Brit passport and coming through a landborder I wouldn't imagine any problem.
Cheers ChrisB

[This message has been edited by chris (edited 11 July 2003).]

Living here in the US I can assure you that once you get in on your 90 day waver no one is going to be following you around checking up on you. Like they said cross into Canada or Mex for a day or so. If you accidently stay over an extra day or so immigration wont be kicking down your door. I used to work in law enforcement and if you get pulled over be sure you have your regestration, lisc, and proof of insurance with you. Unless you get an overzelious jerk or do something to peek their intrest they probably wont even ask you about your visa.

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John

http://www.co.humboldt.ca.us/portal/about.asp

Thanks guys, mind is at rest now thanks to your help.

Turns out that the guy I talked to at the US embassy here got it all wrong re: the 90 day waiver. Got things clarified today - I have 90 days to get into mexico. He told me I had 90 days to travel around Canada, US and Mexico, after that 90 days, I could not be in any of those afore mentioned countries!