Australian citizen returning to the US on ESTA after 88-day visit — will this be an issue?
Hi everyone,
My boyfriend is an Australian citizen and visited me in Michigan earlier this year. He stayed for 88 days, from March to June, and returned to Australia before his authorized stay expired.
He is hoping to come back to visit me for Christmas and New Year, likely for a few weeks. He has a permanent job/career and other commitments in Australia, has sufficient funds to support himself during the trip, and has no intention or need to work in the US.
My question is whether his previous 88-day stay could cause problems when he tries to enter the US again on ESTA later this year.
I understand that ESTA allows stays of up to 90 days, but I’m wondering how CBP looks at someone making another visit relatively soon after spending almost the full 90 days in the US.
Would the fact that he returned to Australia after his previous visit, has employment and financial ties there, and is only planning a short Christmas/New Year visit make a difference?
Has anyone had a similar experience, particularly Australians who have made two ESTA trips within the same year?
Thanks!