Will I be let in to the States?

Genghis

I am heading to NYC in three weeks time. My last visit to the States was in 1999. You know the bit of the visa form that gets attached to your passport for collection on departure? Well mine was never collected. I guess that this means that *technically* I never left the US.

In the meantime I have changed my passport, lost it and had a new one issued (i.e. 2 passports since 1999).

Maybe it is a stupid question, but the US passport control certainly has a reputaiton for being thorough. What should I do - go as normal as they will not link my two passports; or contact the US embassy now and explain. Does anyone know what is involved in 'proving' you were here since 1999?

jjbrien

It depends yo may not be able to travel on the visa waver programme. My advise is to check with the US embassy. If your able to prove that you left the states ie have the boarding card ect.

Genghis

I wouldn't have the card, would need to prove otherwise. Will call to find out.

Benedict XVI

As stated above go to the embassy

There was a guy from the embassy on the radio a while back and he said that if in doubt, as the OP is, just talk to the embassy and if all is in order they will give you a visa that will get you through without difficult.
He basically said don't try to 'wing' it at the airport, it's only in exceptional circumstance they will not give you a visa when you deal with the embassy

Genghis

I rang the helpline - at €2.40 a minute, I might add - and they advised me that if I am going in 3 weeks, to carry some proof that I was back in the country within the 90 day visa given to me in 1999. A credit card statement showing local purchases in Ireland would suffice.

I will then have to explain it to the Immigration people and they will have me fill out a replacement form.

I am going to contact my Bank and see if it is even possible to get a statement from 1999. It may not be.

The girl did not mention the route you reference Bendict XVI, might need to call back the hotline for more help if the bank can't assist.

CountryWise

Dam it, i remember that little thing and i didnt have mine to hand back, they never told me i needed it, i did fill in a replacement one at the Aer Lingus desk but who knows where it ever ended up!

jjbrien

CountryWise wrote:

Dam it, i remember that little thing and i didnt have mine to hand back, they never told me i needed it, i did fill in a replacement one at the Aer Lingus desk but who knows where it ever ended up!

If you leave the states today at most airports you do a exit contol proceedure at us visit kisoks so even if you leave the green thing in your passport they know you have left. But still with the US if in doubt call the embassy it saves allot of grief.

Tuesday_Girl

This happened to me last year, nobody took the green slip out when I left and I only realised afterwards. I went back to the US a few weeks later and there was no problem, no questions at all asked.

Ruu_Old

What did you do with the green slip (I-94)? Afaik, you are meant to mail it to the US Embassy in Ballsbridge. It happened me before and I quickly sent mine off, they told me it would be returned to the US.

There are exiting procedures in most US airports now as has been mentioned as well as handing back the green slip.

Rb

Getting a statement from '99 should be easy enough, just a pain in the arse for whoever happens to get stuck with the job in the bank

upthere

Definately call the embassy and find out. You gotta prepare before you get there and find out you have to turn back(which is worst case scenario)
Just take a look into it. It's a sticky one.

datk

Bank should be able to give you statement - no doubt at a charge.

Do you keep payslips or could your company reproduce one? It wouldn't hurt to have a few bits of proof.

Good luck.