British Expatriate Network

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Hi,

My question is regarding the visa waiver program. I live in England but I am retired and I have bought a place in Florida where I have many friends. Currently I use the visa waiver program to travel between the two countries, staying in US for three months at a time before returning to England. Does anyone know how often one can use the vwp in a year? I have spoken to the American Embassy whose representative told me that it was up the immigration officer at the airport on the day!
Help!

Carole501,

I don't know the letter of the law, but the decision being up to the immigration officer makes sense.

I think all immigration officers are trained to assume that anyone entering the US intends to stay indefinitely. It's up to you to prove that you intend to return home (return because of family, work, your home, etc). Obviously, you could stay in the US for ever on VWP - simply fly outside the country and reenter - presto, another 90 days! But this would probably not convince an immigration officer that you intend not to stay for ever.

It sounds mad but alot does depend on the personality of the officer you get - if he's had a bad day, or his commute was bad he might give you a hard time, but usually it's OK. Just don't make jokes, and never offer more information than is necessary. If you smile too much he'll think you are either stupid or have something to hide.

Good luck!

Cheers
Timbo

Don't bank on it lasting long. Many years ago I flew back and forth 3 times on VW, (with two 3 week and one 6 week break inbetween flying back) On the third trip back into the U.S the officer was very suspicious. So when I flew back to the UK again I got a B2 visa... went through immigration in the U.S, officer looked at me funny, said I did not need to be there again for a 6mth period so stamped my VW again, (instead of my spanking new B2, giving me only 3mths instead of 6mths..

Hence, don't bank on ANYTHING!!