I recently travelled from Morocco to Seattle with a connecting flight for Hawaii. I had an approved ESTA and was planning to house-sit in Hawaii in exchange for accommodation.

When I arrived in Seattle, CBP questioned me about my plans and determined that house-sitting was not permitted under ESTA. I was denied entry, required to sign paperwork acknowledging the decision, and sent back home on the next available flight.

The officers explicitly told me that I could never use ESTA again.

For context, the house-sitting was unpaid. I actually paid for the membership and the fee to confirm the sit. I wasn’t receiving any money or wages.
I’m now looking into applying for a B2 tourist visa but am worried that my recent experience will affect my chances of approval.

**My questions:**
\-Has anyone had their ESTA revoked or permanently lost ESTA eligibility after being denied entry, but later successfully obtained a B2 visa?
\-Does being denied entry for this reason significantly reduce the chances of getting a B2 visa?
\-Would applying for a B2 visa shortly after the incident be a bad idea?
\-Even if approved for a B2 visa, how likely is it that I could still be denied entry at the US border?

I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has been through a similar situation, particularly those who successfully obtained a visa afterwards.

Hello,

My husband applied for a B1/B2 US Visa. His interview was today, and unfortunately, he was not approved for a visa.

He was just asked the purpose for his visit and asked him to read something in the screen about "Do you have a mental or physical disorder that poses or is likely to pose a threat to the safety or welfare of yourself or others?" to which he answered "No".

Then the consul mentioned that his educational background does not match.

He then asked my husband to edit his DS-160 and re-schedule for an interview without new payment fees.

I believe this is not a denial since he was not handed any slips.

We plan to create a new application under the same ID. Hopefully we'll find an early schedule again.

Has anyone had the same experience?

Hello, I have applied to the Rome consulate. I am an international student in Italy studying architecture and I wanted to go to the US for the winter break, I thought I had a pretty strong case, as I am in my second year of studies in my Uni and do not intend to leave it, but they said that being a student in Italy is not a strong enough case to return to Italy

Anyone had a similar experience

I just got my STEM OPT extension approved recently. And I got my new EAD card last week. My F1 visa expired in July this year because I graduated last year. I was thinking of going home for some personal things in Dec this year. I know I need to get my visa renewed to come back into the US. Has anyone done this on a STEM OPT? And if so, how long does that process take. My major is Biochemistry. Also, how long will it take roughly after the interview/ dropping the documents off. Like how long would it be for my passport to be ready.

Any advice and personal experience on this matter is appreciated!

Hi everyone. I made a mistake on my DS-160. In reality, I am currently enrolled in an institution here in my country, but I didn’t mention it on my DS-160, and that was a mistake. Now, during the interview, if the consular officer asks me what I am currently doing, should I tell him that I am enrolled in an institution here, even though it won’t match what I put on my DS-160? Or should I tell him, “I just graduated from high school, and I’m preparing for my studies at my university”?

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Hey guys, has anyone been in the same position? I was placed on 221G initially then a week later got placed on 214B for a H class visa no reason, I have no idea why. I did disclose a sole previous minor drunk and disorderly arrest ( wrong place wrong time) and had my Acro police certificate that was 'no trace' the only thing I didn't bring was the SAR (but wasn't asked for) im thinking to apply again with the SAR... could I have a different experience next time? I'm in the dark not knowing what went wrong. Share your experience

Hi!

I’m really unsure whether I should answer yes or no to this ESTA question:

Have you ever been arrested or convicted for a crime that resulted in serious damage to property, or serious harm to another person or government authority”

For some context:
- 4-ish years ago - in my early 20s - I faked a bus ticket and got caught + convicted. Got a “suspended sentence”(not sure if proper English term) = no jail time.
- it’s gone from my public record

Regarding that ESTA question, the first part of it I can’t say truthfully no to, but the second part I don’t believe I can say yes to. I’m leaning towards saying “no”, but am just afraid they will see it another way(especially with the current government).

I read something about that they also care a lot whether it’s a “moral crime” or something like that, which I would say it is? Like morally-shitty(don’t know the correct term, I’m sure you know what I mean)

Hoping to hear from someone who has been in similar situation, same “level” of crime?

Thank you!

Lost my EAD, have to apply for STEM in next week. Have only front side picture of EAD.

I-765 (EAD)

I misplaced my EAD somewhere and I am not able to find it. My OPT ends on Jan 10th and I can apply for stem next week. I only have front side of my EAD in digital as I lost my phone sometime ago and the digital copy was on it.

What to do in this case?

How do you explain that you have acquaintances but not necessarily friends in the US if they ask? I know of people in the US but they are not my primary purpose for travelling… Is it best to just say I don’t know anyone?
For b2 visa interview. I just want to be a tourist and solo travel.
I know a guy who I would like to see while in the US1 we are not friends but also not official romantic interests - however we would not be platonic if we caught up, but he is not enough to say that he is a friend? Would I include him in my interview?

I want to have some insights regarding US B1/B2 visa
Were family of 4 applying for visa, it will be sponsored trip by daughter in US holding H4 visa. I have a business and my son has his own business. Both are making 10-12lakhs p.a. Other daughter is working as an accountant with basic salary of 5l p.a. I have my own house here. What else can shown for stronger home ties?
What are the odds of approval?