Advice needed about US immigration - a bit confused!?

Question

I am hoping to visit a friend who lives in the US in the spring/early summer next year. I am to stay for a month. I had no worries about it until recently when a neighbour told me that I could be refused entry to the US unless I have proof of how I intend to fund myself during that stay. I am not particularly wealthy and the idea was that I stay with my friend for free, with food, entertainment etc provided for me as a guest. I was under the impression that I would only need spending money. Also, I have no job in the UK. Would that be a problem from the point of veiw of proving that I intend to return to the UK at the end of the month? I do however, have my own house in the UK on which I have a mortgage. I would be very grateful for any advice regarding these issues. Do I need to prove that I have enough money to fund myself regarding food, board etc for the month? If so, how much money is required per month? Also will I need any documents to prove that I am likely to return to the UK? Anything else I need to know? Sorry if this sounds a bit naive, but I'm 55 plus and have only travelled outside the UK once before! Am trying to rebuild my life after a bad marriage and get out there and see something of the world! Thank you for all your help.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

Ruby, I wouldn't worry too much. Assuming you are traveling on the Visa Waiver Program, you will need a return ticket. That will be the main point. Make sure you carry some cash and a credit card. If you have all that, they'll let you through without a hitch. Also make sure you have the address of the person you are staying with handy. They will likely want to know where you are staying (at least the first night).
If the Immigration Officer asks questions, answer them honestly. No need to give long explanations if a 2 word answer will cover it.
Naive? Nah! Prudent is more like it. Get as much sorted as you can so the trip goes as smooth as possible. And I am sure you will have an excellent trip! I'm glad to hear you've escaped a bad marriage! I'm even happier that you've starting your "seeing something if the world" here in the US. I hope we can exceed even you highest expectations!

Have a GREAT trip! and a Merry Christmas and excellent New Year! (feel free to email me if you have any other questions. I'd be happy to help if I can)

Answer 2

Im afraid your friend is correct you have to have enough money to last the month, what would happen if you and your friend fell out you would have to have enough money to last the month i would say around $1500 to $2000 maybe enough but all you have to do is email the travel office and they could put your mind at rest hope this helps.