Visiting USA for 2 months - proof of ties to UK?

Narz

Hi,

I'm planning my dream trip to the USA. I've always wanted to visit and finally decided to go ahead with it. I'll be staying with an American friend while I'm in the US so I don't need expensive hotels. I'll be bringing around 1000$ cash and approx. 6000$ in a bank account.

I'll be staying for around 60 days from August-October 2015. I know I can travel on the Visa Waiver Program but I'm worried about the border. I've seen a lot of horror stories of people being denied at the US border and I don't want that to happen to me. I'm so excited for my trip but I'm terrified too.

I will have a return ticket but I'm not sure what else I can prove. I don't own a house (live with family) nor do I own a car. I finished University in 2013 (business) and my plan was to setup my own business in 2015/2016 after my trip. Long story short my family are well-off and there's not been a requirement for me to work so I can't provide an employer letter.

Is there anything else I can provide? My bank is in the UK obviously, I have car insurance, two dogs and my entire family lives in the UK. I'm not sure if this is enough though? Or am I worrying about nothing?

Thanks so much!

Armorica

Why would they think you aren't tied to the UK? Do you not have British passport? Do you have a criminal record?

Narz

No criminal record. My passport is British.

I know they will see I'm tied to the UK but for extended stays they usually want proof you have something to return to, like an employer letter etc.

duchy

As you are carrying enough cash to support yourself and visiting friends rather than a boyfriend and have ties to the UK (eg stuff like phone contract and on the electoral roll etc as well as family) the only issue I can see is the void between finishing uni two years earlier and apparently doing nothing.

Two months isn't really an extended stay- just a long holiday so long as you can show you have funds to support yourself.

Narz

That's my point, they will basically see 'nothing' and likely question if I'm there to overstay or look for work illegally. I need to prove I have something to return to but I'm not sure what counts to that.

duchy

Actually if you've done nothing and your parents have kept you for two years it may actually be easier as it shows you have no desire to work and will be returning to the comfort of home rather than overstaying. I think you are assuming a holiday to the US is always a week or two and for many people a month or two is completely normal in reality.

The only people I know who have run into issues are those who make frequent trips and are in LDRs - two months isn't as unusual as you appear to assume.

Narz

Thanks so much. You're right I assumed 2 months is a HUGE deal and very unusual.

duchy

It really isn't
In the absence of any flags (like a boyfriend there or carrying tools of your trade or frequent revisits) all they are likely to care about is do you have a return ticket and enough cash to keep yourself.

Dress smart casual rather than scruffy or business dress and odds are you won't get asked a single extra question.

Narz

Thanks for your help

Is there an easy way to convince them my friend is not a boyfriend? lol

photome

Narz wrote: »

Thanks for your help

Is there an easy way to convince them my friend is not a boyfriend? lol

I did wonder how Duchy knew you werent going to see a boyfriend,or girlfriend come to that

Are you?

peachyprice

OK, a little bit of logic for you, if 2 months weren't an acceptable time for a holiday they wouldn't let you enter on an ESTA.

I think you've been watching too much TV/listening to too many horror stories and are getting your knickers in a twist over nothing.