1

I will travel to the USA in October to attend a friend's wedding. I will also be visiting a lab afterwards on the same trip (I was invited to collaborate without any remuneration). The total duration will be 30 days (2 weeks wedding/vacation, 2 weeks lab visit). I can provide evidence of my invitation to both the wedding and the university.

I am a UK citizen with a valid ESTA. When going through the CBP check what do I say the primary reason for my visit is? Do I apply for the W-T or W-B waiver? Or is it possible to do both?

Thanks!

Improve this question
  • Note that some places require W-B status for reimbursement. (Though this doesn't seem to be relevant here.) – npl Aug 14 '18 at 2:35
4

Yes you can do both. It’s quite normal to combine business and pleasure. Give the true primary reason as the primary reason. (If your lab isn’t paying for the flights, I would surmise pleasure.) If asked verbally, give both reasons (“going to a friend’s wedding, and visiting some colleagues at xyz university” is probably sufficient unless further questioned).

Improve this answer
  • I also visited the US for 89 days this year (another collab), I left August 8th. Since I'm going back only 56 days later, do you think they'll be okay with this visit? I just don't see the point in going for the wedding, leaving, then going back again. – Jimmy H Aug 14 '18 at 9:06
  • @JimmyH If you are a British citizen who has a permanent professional job outside the US, a permanent home elsewhere, and your visits are largely work or tourism related, and you always leave on time, in my experience US CBP are not bothered about multiple entries in a year. Probably you are not a high threat. – Calchas Aug 14 '18 at 10:09
  • Brilliant, thanks! That puts my mind at ease. I'm a PhD student, but my course doesn't finish until 2020 and I have a long term lease. I think that gives me a pretty strong tie back here. I was only concerned because I definitely will be going back for conferences and so on. – Jimmy H Aug 14 '18 at 10:51

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.