USA for 3 months
Discussion
sassthathoopie said:
Surprised to see the total lack of adventurous spirit on this thread!
Exactly.If you want something, go and get it. Life is far too short to worry about being like every other rat in the race. 3 months of memories that no one can take away from you is a no brainer.
Good luck OP, hope you do it.
I live in the US and have to conduct interviews for professional level people. (Degree + experience) The fact that I live in the US may make this point irrelevant but if some one came in with a story about taking time out of the mundane and traveling I would see that as a good thing. When I have 100 applicants from all over the world I am looking for something to differentiate a candidate and this may be it. For example, I have a guy that works for me who rode a pedal bike from one side of the US to the other when he was 20. He was able to give me details of the preparation including scheduling and organizing charity events. He got the job because of it even though he did not understand the value of it and nearly did not mention it.
Have fun touring the country. Once you have done it you will understand why so many Americans do not have a passport. They do not need to leave the country to experience most things. (other than culture and I say that in all seriousness)
Have fun touring the country. Once you have done it you will understand why so many Americans do not have a passport. They do not need to leave the country to experience most things. (other than culture and I say that in all seriousness)
If you're going on a VWP and have a return flight booked within the 3 months, they won't ask you anything or raise so much as an eyebrow. Overstaying is a sure fire way to get your collar felt next time round though.
I've spent quite a few long stints over there, and gone over on one-way tickets more times than I care to remember in the last 3 years. I've never been asked anything other than the usual immigration stuff, certainly nothing about being able to support myself or working. Can't say it's ever crossed my mind that they might ask, yet other than not looking particularly Mexican I probably meet just about every criteria on their system for being a potential illegal immigrant
If you're in the position to do so and want to, go for it while you still can I say, but then I would. It's not our place to review your finances or life choices, but if you're confident it's not going to leave you in ruin for years to come because you couldn't find work again, why not? Beats being stuck in the grind every day and wondering what might have been, and it sounds like you've been sensible enough so far that you can justify some frivolous expenditure on travelling.
I've spent quite a few long stints over there, and gone over on one-way tickets more times than I care to remember in the last 3 years. I've never been asked anything other than the usual immigration stuff, certainly nothing about being able to support myself or working. Can't say it's ever crossed my mind that they might ask, yet other than not looking particularly Mexican I probably meet just about every criteria on their system for being a potential illegal immigrant
If you're in the position to do so and want to, go for it while you still can I say, but then I would. It's not our place to review your finances or life choices, but if you're confident it's not going to leave you in ruin for years to come because you couldn't find work again, why not? Beats being stuck in the grind every day and wondering what might have been, and it sounds like you've been sensible enough so far that you can justify some frivolous expenditure on travelling.
Stu R said:
I've never been asked anything other than the usual immigration stuff, certainly nothing about being able to support myself or working.
So what did you tell them when they asked, "Hello Mr Stu R, what is the purpose of your visit?"In no way would I want to discourage the OP from embarking on an American adventure - I'd just be cautious around my ability to spend 90 days in the US being because I'd quit my job at home - and in doing so removed a fairly compelling reason to return.
Remember, CBP aren't tasked with harassing legitimate visitors (strange as that may seem) - but they most definitely are tasked with weeding-out potential illegal immigrants.
megapixels83 said:
Anonamoose said:
Sounds like absolute madness to me. Not only due to the issues with getting through the CBP but also quitting full time employment just for a 3 month jolly!
Firstly ask your employers about their policy on unpaid leave, they might surprise you. Secondly I take it you don't have a mortgage? If you rent what will you do when you come back, do you have the funds to support over 3 months until you can get somewhere else to live again? Then if you don't own your house and want to start a family wouldn't those savings be better used going towards a house or the costs of having children? Especially with statutory mat pay being low compared to most people's earnings.
Lastly how easily will you both find gainful employment again? Do you have desirable skills? You don't just need money for 3 months in the US, you need to have a contingency for what would happen when you get back.
there policy is strict no on sabbaticals like this.Firstly ask your employers about their policy on unpaid leave, they might surprise you. Secondly I take it you don't have a mortgage? If you rent what will you do when you come back, do you have the funds to support over 3 months until you can get somewhere else to live again? Then if you don't own your house and want to start a family wouldn't those savings be better used going towards a house or the costs of having children? Especially with statutory mat pay being low compared to most people's earnings.
Lastly how easily will you both find gainful employment again? Do you have desirable skills? You don't just need money for 3 months in the US, you need to have a contingency for what would happen when you get back.
I do have a mortgage of £1514 per month and realistically we have sufficient cash sitting there to cover a years worht of living at the same standard. We have been good at saving and also made some good investment decisions along the way and have never had debt apart from mortgage. My flat is for sale and should realise £50k clean capital after fees and clearing balance on mortgage, it is for sale to buy a house but we have been thinking that life is for living and we are young and probably wont have this chance until we are retired, 3 months isnt going to hamper our plans of a family.
finding a job to cover my living needs once back would be easy, finding a job to my standard now would be slightly challenging but something that could be done.
As for a reason to show willingness to leave the states after 3 months is I could not do my profession in the States even if I wanted to, they simply do not have that industry and that is all I have done since 18 years old apart from also owning a business whilst I also worked for 3 years. I would potentially have an empty apartment back here, to return to, we would have return flights booked from the outset and clear travel plans covering what we want to see and how long we spend at each place as a guide. judging by our passport it is clear we like to travel and tend to go away for 4 week a year at least and have visited alot of places that are not your yearly holiday destination in the last 3 years alone. Other things like I would still be paying by Social Security payments here whilst away (UK eqv is NI). It is not like we are selling up to go traveling with a view to settle somewhere it is basically taking a short break from 2 successful but very stressful careers before we settle down into family life.
It sounds like you can afford both the trip and most eventualities after you return so I'd say do it.
I'm very envious now
Matt Harper said:
"Hello Mr Stu R, what is the purpose of your visit?"
"We're going to do a road trip exploring the USA. Here's a print out of our return ticket, and documentation for the rental vehicle."[Peruses both and spots numerous foreign stamps in passport]
"Thank you. Enjoy your visit!"
Anonamoose said:
When did you have two years off? During the recession? When there are 100's applying for the same jobs unless you're in a specialist industry.
Fair point about the recession but in the current climate you could just as easily miss the opportunity and then be made redundant (speaking from experience ).Anonamoose said:
There are a lot of people that would love to do this, hell I'd go tomorrow if I could but I can't. If he was taking 3 months unpaid leave to do it I'd say it was a brilliant idea but quitting your job in this climate is madness just for 3 months.
In fantasy it's a great idea before you settle down but how often in real life does it work out.
I do agree that three months doesn't seem enough to justify it (as I said earlier), but I disagree that it doesn't work out in real life. Foresaking an opportunity to do something amazing for the sake of a job doesn't add up in my opinion. What's the worst that can happen - you lose out financially, miss a promotion? Well then you cope, you deal with it, you find a way. I'm absolutely sure most people end up better off for it, not worse. And I mean that in terms of happiness rather than money... In fantasy it's a great idea before you settle down but how often in real life does it work out.
I had to be dragged out of my bubble to go but after deciding to go in July, booking in October and flying in January, my first thought on landing was, "why the bloody hell did we wait!?".
I really do think we have a distorted sense of risk in this country. People think little of getting into debt for a wedding or a car, and most people seem to pay £hundreds for insurance and warranties every month just in case, but they won't risk doing stuff like this because it seems like too much of a gamble.
I'm not advocating recklessness - you need to do it for the right reasons (e.g. not to escape your problems) and you do need a financial cushion - but it sounds like the OP has that.
It sounds like the OP has the sense and the money so I would say do it... but think bigger!
Edit: I just read this back and it sounds like I'm ranting at you Anonamoose - sorry about that, it wasn't the intention! I just really believe that travel is far more achievable than people realise.
Edited by durbster on Wednesday 15th May 20:38
sassthathoopie said:
Matt Harper said:
"Hello Mr Stu R, what is the purpose of your visit?"
"We're going to do a road trip exploring the USA. Here's a print out of our return ticket, and documentation for the rental vehicle."[Peruses both and spots numerous foreign stamps in passport]
"Thank you. Enjoy your visit!"
"....and what is it that you do, that affords you such a generous vacation allowance?"
"Oh - I don't have a job anymore - in fact I jacked-it-in to come here".
- probably now not so welcoming.
Anyway enough from me - hope it all works out well (just don't tell them you quit your job to do this).
Matt Harper said:
Stu R said:
I've never been asked anything other than the usual immigration stuff, certainly nothing about being able to support myself or working.
So what did you tell them when they asked, "Hello Mr Stu R, what is the purpose of your visit?"Me and the ex Mrs Garyhun did this in 1999.
Handed in notice, rented an apartment in Florida for 3 months and off we went. No special visas or anything.
We hired a car for the full 3-months so used it for lot's of day and overnight trips. We'd previously explored much of the USA so wanted to experience 'living' there for a while.
We were lucky that we did not need to worry about getting jobs when we got back otherwise I think we would have tried for sabbaticals.
Handed in notice, rented an apartment in Florida for 3 months and off we went. No special visas or anything.
We hired a car for the full 3-months so used it for lot's of day and overnight trips. We'd previously explored much of the USA so wanted to experience 'living' there for a while.
We were lucky that we did not need to worry about getting jobs when we got back otherwise I think we would have tried for sabbaticals.
Suprised at all the concern from people on here about getting turned away at customs because of the length of holiday. Did it happen to them? No? Possibly they've never actually tried it? I went on a 90 day holiday there and had no problems. OP - go for it.
My itinerary was
Boston
New York
Philly
Baltimore
On the step-family farm for a week in Maryland
DC
Back to New York
Buffalo
Niagra
Detroit
Chicago
St Louis
Kansas City
Denver
Santa Fe
Albuquerque
Dallas
Memphis
Atlanta
St Augustine
Miami
New Orleans
Austin
Vegas
Flagstaff and Grand Canyon
San Diego
LA - Venice beach and Hollywood
San Francisco
Home
All places had their merits except Detroit (surprisingly) and Albequerqe. If I did it again would want own transport more of the time to get to the parks. May try a three weeker in an RV to resolve that.
My itinerary was
Boston
New York
Philly
Baltimore
On the step-family farm for a week in Maryland
DC
Back to New York
Buffalo
Niagra
Detroit
Chicago
St Louis
Kansas City
Denver
Santa Fe
Albuquerque
Dallas
Memphis
Atlanta
St Augustine
Miami
New Orleans
Austin
Vegas
Flagstaff and Grand Canyon
San Diego
LA - Venice beach and Hollywood
San Francisco
Home
All places had their merits except Detroit (surprisingly) and Albequerqe. If I did it again would want own transport more of the time to get to the parks. May try a three weeker in an RV to resolve that.
I can't speak for others, but I have had very many interactions with USCIS, CBP and ICE and not all of them have been cordial. I have lived in the US for more than 11 years now and my travel itinerary means I now know most of the CBP officers at my home airport quite well. I have on occasion had to argue my case for re-admission with an L1-A visa, never mind a 3 month holiday.
Matt Harper said:
I can't speak for others, but I have had very many interactions with USCIS, CBP and ICE and not all of them have been cordial. I have lived in the US for more than 11 years now and my travel itinerary means I now know most of the CBP officers at my home airport quite well. I have on occasion had to argue my case for re-admission with an L1-A visa, never mind a 3 month holiday.
Entry into the US is fine most of the time but once in a while it can be problematic. I was recently entering for three days, had $250 in cash, a pre-paid hotel and several credit and debit cards and got questioned for some time on whether I could afford to support myself when I was there.davepoth said:
Here's a hint. If you go to JFK, there's a set of toilets just by immigration, which straddle the border. While I was there in the queue I saw someone walk in from the international side and then two minutes later walk out onto the US side...
Really?!? That seems a pretty big oversight.
Heff said:
davepoth said:
Here's a hint. If you go to JFK, there's a set of toilets just by immigration, which straddle the border. While I was there in the queue I saw someone walk in from the international side and then two minutes later walk out onto the US side...
Really?!? That seems a pretty big oversight.
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