British Expatriate Network

Hello everyone. Back in 1992 i overstayed a VWP by 3 months (or so). I have not been back to the States since.
I had removed my I-94 from my passport and didn't hand it in on departure. They did, however make me fill out a replacement at the airport. (The exit part)

My question is simply this. Given the length of time, what are my chances of getting back in this year on a VWP for a holiday?

I have no criminal records, or arrests, am a company director and will be travelling with wife and 2 kids to Disney World. (hopefully)

I would appreciate any comments that you have. Thanks.

A google search may turn up more information but with my limited, unprofessional knowledge, I'd say you might want to check first with the US Embassy/Consulate in London that you won't be denied entry when you land in US.

As far as I can tell, the ten year ban may or may not have been in effect in 1992. Assuming it was, then you've served the ban anyway. I would hope you could use the VWP again but with the clamping down that has gone on here both before and obviously after 9/11, it might save you a nasty surprise to check with the embassy first that you will be permitted entry.

Technically, you could be arrested at Port of Entry and almost immediately sent back to UK if found to be someone who overstayed a visa. I would think a check beforehand would save the risk of this happening.

Thanks Pilgrim, i suppose what i'm really trying to find out is how likley it is that my overstay will show up on the system some 15 years later? (bearing in mind that my correct I-94 was not handed in)

Should i take the risk, or throw myself at the mercy of the US embassy in London?
(apply for a B-2 and hope for the best?)

Thanks for any opinions, advise, derision etc.....

Hard to say.

I guess it is up to you to decide whether to risk the embarrassment and hassle of an immediate arrest and repatriation or to check ahead of time. I just think it would be kind of late in the day to have this sprung on you as you are in line at Immigration with your family - they will possibly separate you and put you in secondary inspection, pending further inquiries if you have some kind of flagged record. I've been to SI and it's not a very nice place to hang out in.

I would think you have nothing to lose by checking with the embassy first. Sounded like you are beyond any punishment phase anyway. At least you would have time to apply for the relevant visa, if that was going to be required to get you in for a vacation.

If your blonde dye your hair black, grow a maustache speak spanish and jump over the fence like the rest of the illegals .

j j lol lol lol lol lol

Muchas Gracias John...... 8)

:lol:
Sorry couldn't help but laugh at that one.

John, there's just as many people, or "illegals" in this country from other places on the planet, so how do you plan on stereotyping those?

To the OP, I would hazard a guess that if you were being denied entry you'd not even get past the ticket clerk at checkin - bearing in mind the no fly lists that most of the western world appear to swap with each other. Once they swipe your passport through their readers all manor of checks take place in that big db (wherever it lives)

Andrew :)

i dont.
and it was just a piece of satire which with my JJ (just joking) on the end was never meant to be taken seriously . others here seems to see the HUMOUR in it

you need to relax and understand that with a obviuos statement that can be taken as bigoted with8 satire 8it is the MAKER OF THE statement that is being held up to ridicule not the subject of the humour .. cus its so obviuosly a rediculously blanket statement that shows a lack of understanding

think ARCHIE BANKER who came out as the * fool * ??

I apolize sincerly if i have upset you by not understanding your sensitivity and lack of humour

an overstay of 364 days or less incurrs a 3 year ban. an overstay of a year or more incurrs a 10 year ban.

you will need to apply for a B type visa. As overstay on the VWP means you cannot use it again.