Travelling to States

[EFC9]

Been browsing for a while and have found this site to be extremely helpful.
The question I have is is it ok to travel to the states on the visa waiver programme whilst in an IVA. The reason I ask is my parents are celebrating their 30th wedding anniversary and have asked myself and my sister to go with them to the US. Now I was hoping to keep the fact I'm in an IVA away from them but have had to come clean when they asked me to travel with them.
To my surprise they were very supportive and have offered to pay for me to go as they dont want to leave me behind.
I'm very appreciative of the offer but I'm concerned I may have to apply for a visa.
Thanks in advance

[joh71262]

I don't see why you should have to as you will only be a visitor. If you were moving there then they may have a different view, but I would have thought that as long as you have a return ticket and some money in your pocket when you go, they can't really say much.

If you are paying, do you have your IP's permission though ? They can be a bit funny (understandably) if you are. The money could have gone to creditors.

[chris.g]

Hiya EFC9, just wanted to welcome you to the forum. Sorry I can't answer your question, I'm sure one of the experts will though.
What a lovely thing for your parents to do and I'm pleased that they took your news well and are being supportive.
xx

[EFC9]

I'm not paying mate, my parents are.

[EFC9]

Cheers Chris, appreciated.

[joh71262]

In that case I don't really see that there should be a problem at all.

All they will do is scan your passport (oh, that and your eyes, finger prints and inside leg !!).

Have a great time.

[kallis3]

Hi EFC9,

I have been to the States on a few occasions, and I have never had to fill anything in about finances on the visa waiver form. I think they only check on criminal records, and I know that IVA's are not classed in that way.

[jpj]

They do sometimes ask how you are going to fund your stay! They asked me when I flew into Miami..luckily I had 10 credit cards on me!! )

[kallis3]

TEN credit cards!!!!!!!!!! How did you manage that one?

[louiseh]

US immigration always make you feel like you're a criminal anyway, have never had my finaces quizzed though, just fingerprint scan retina scan, stupid questions like are you terrorist on visa waver form. Judging by the state of their economy I don't think an IVA will worry them.

[kallis3]

No, don't think you are likely to blow yourself up!

[MelanieGiles]

There is absolutely no problem in entering the US as a visitor if you are subject to IVA proceedings.

Hope you have a great time!

[wen]

jpj does make a valid point though, that you should be prepared at entry to show you have enough means to pay your way until you leave the US - had one lovely experience with an immigration officer (funnily enough in Miami), who wanted to see proof of cash/travellers chq's/credit cards/return ticket/hotel reservations throughout etc etc... I think someone was having a bad day, but it's better to be prepared!

[jpj]

Yeah, with the state of their economy,they cant afford anymore hangers on!

Wen, I wonder if it was the same immigration officer...mine was male and looked like a cross between Saddam Hussien and Borat ..lol

[kallis3]

What I hate is when you make the slightest mistake on the visa waiver form and they send you away to do another one and then join the back of the queue. Sometimes you are there for ages!