Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie

3 month Visa waiver

Options
  • 05-09-2012 4:00pm
    #1
    jimmurt
    Registered Users Posts: 367 ✭✭


    Hi,

    I filled out the US 3 month Visa waiver in March. I've used the reference number (which is valid for two years) 3 times already this year.

    I'm about to go to the US again for just under 3 months for work.

    Is this allowed? i.e. keep using the same number again and again. They want me back in January for 3 more months.

    I mentioned to my boss that this could be a bit dodgy and we'd be better of applying for an L2 or similar. The company is based in the US and Europe.

    What is the best Visa option if I want to work there for an extended period of time (say 1 year+) rather than going back and forth several times/year?
    Thanks.


Comments

  • Options
    #2
    silja
    Registered Users Posts: 2,921 ✭✭✭silja


    Using the ESTA approval to visit as many times as you like for 2 years is fine.
    Working on it is not, ESTA is for visits/ tourism or business meetings etc, not to work there. Additionally, with the visa waiver program you are supposed to be out of the country more than in, and it sounds like you are spending more time in the USA than in Ireland.

    What type of visa you'd need to work there would depend on what work you do, how long you'd stay and whether it is the US or Irish branch of the company paying your salary.


  • Options
    #3
    jimmurt
    Registered Users Posts: 367 ✭✭jimmurt


    Thanks for info on the waiver.

    I work in IT for a Medical Devices company. The work can be described as specialised.

    I previously held a two year L2 starting from June 2010. I worked there for 6 months from June 2010.
    The job and situation then was very similar in the work and also that my pay was coming from Ireland. It was with a different company though.


  • Options
    #4
    iusedtoknow
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,698 ✭✭✭iusedtoknow


    don't you mean L1? L2 is accompanying spouse visa.

    Either way, if you've worked for this company for a period of 1 year and have been out of status for 1+ years, you should be ok (ie you have not travelled or entered the states via L1 for a period of time greater than 1 year) for L1.

    If they are a huge company, they may already have a blanket L1 visa. If you've already been through it, then you must know how easy it is providing the US company knows what it is doing.

    FWIW, once we received the I140 blanket document, we were basically already approved - 2 hours at the US embassy and the visa was in our passports.


Advertisement