Entry to America Limits?

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Hi! I'm probably being silly but there aren't any limits to how much time you can spend in the US in a year are there? There is a chance we may get the chane of 40 days- split into three trips- in the next year. Would that be ok?

 

[2Tiggies]

Hi! I'm probably being silly but there aren't any limits to how much time you can spend in the US in a year are there? There is a chance we may get the chane of 40 days- split into three trips- in the next year. Would that be ok?

The limit is 90 consecutive days. If you break it into various trips, departing the US in between it appears there is no limit.

 

[torsie24]

As long as it's for pleasure I'm sure it's fine.

My Dad's friend has like 6 properties over there and travels loads.

I had to have a Visa when I went, but I think it was because my stay was one big stay, so I didn't have a return flight ticket within however many weeks/months of my arrival one, or it could have been because I was enrolled in school there etc....

Either way, if you have flights booked to leave within a certain time I'm sure you're fine, but the US Embassy website probably lists all the rules.

 

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

Thanks very much! I'm out at the minuye so couldn't look too much myself, but had a panic on! Knew someone on here would know!!!

 

[dixonsontour]

As far a I know you are fine to stay upto 90 days for one entry and no limit to number of trips.

Obviously you will be able to show your return ticket and the means to support yourself there eg booked accomodation, holiday spends if need be.

Before we had DD we used to go twice a year to different parts of the USA - usually one trip 16 nights and one 7 or 14 without any issue at all.

 

[wayneg]

As already said, 90 days limit to a trip but you can leave the continent then return for another 90 days.
From FAQ
What if I enter on the Visa Waiver Program and then decide I want to stay longer than the 90 days?
You cannot extend the time on the Visa Waiver Program. The 90 days also includes any time spent in Canada, Mexico and adjacent Islands. Therefore you cannot cross the border into these areas and then return for another 90 days. You can however ask for re-entry on the Visa Waiver Program if you have left the Continent.

 

[nemmie]

I think I also read somewhere that you have to be absent from the USA for equal to or more the time you spent in the USA before you can return on the waiver. I.e. if you spend 90 days there you must leave and not return for another 90 days before being eligible to return on the Visa Waiver. But I have never had that confirmed by an official or seen it in any rules.

I have also wondered whether there was a limit on how many times a year you could enter under the VWP for vacations so it's good to see it looks like there is not

 

[wayneg]

I think I also read somewhere that you have to be absent from the USA for equal to or more the time you spent in the USA before you can return on the waiver. I.e. if you spend 90 days there you must leave and not return for another 90 days before being eligible to return on the Visa Waiver. But I have never had that confirmed by an official or seen it in any rules.

I have also wondered whether there was a limit on how many times a year you could enter under the VWP for vacations so it's good to see it looks like there is not

My Brother looked into all this when he was considering buying property in Vegas, he was told there are are no limits of visits, no minimum amount of time he had to spend out of US, he could spend 90 days there get a flight home then next day go back for another 90 days but he would have to expect questioning on return to prove he was not working out there and why he was there so much. Thats about 2 years ago he enquired, don't think its changed.
All the info online suggests this is correct so would be interested if anyone can find anything to show different.

 

[nemmie]

It was a thread on V Flyer (mod's please delete if I am not allowed to mention the other websites name). I went back and found it. The guy was questioned at length by a not very happy POE officer but was indeed allowed back in under VWP.

 

[Disneymad]

Not a limitation exactly, but as we're talking about it, another aspect to throw into the mix.

A while back I saw an official link (which sadly I didn't bookmark as it didn't apply to me and can't find now) but there is a point where even if you're not working in the country, the IRS becomes interested in you.

I can't remember the number of days involved but was fairly high (think was easily 100+ days) and wasn't designed for normal holiday makers but probably for people who do play the 90 day visa waiver game in the long term. It was also phrased as a "might be interested in you" rather than "will be interested in you" scenario so a certain amount of discretion was involved.

Kicking myself that I didn't bookmark the link though!

 

[wayneg]

There has to be some point where they make a stand but they don't seem to want to make it clear. I guess the more you are there the more money you put into their economy but they don't want to make it look like an open door to stay indefinitely.