Hello All,
(I'm John, Essie husband. Just using her account as i have a few questions of my own.)
I am a UK citizen who was on a L1 visa for a job that i left back June 3rd last year (2011). I married a US citizen on June 6th 2011 and was planing to apply for a green card the next day. Long story short that never happened.
My L1 visa finished June 26th 2011, so I've been out of status for ten months. I am now planning to return to the UK with my wife how is currently applying for her UK visa. I found some information which says that generally people who have stayed past their visa for more than 180 days can face up to a 3 year ban from re-entering the United States, and people who stay longer than 1 year past their visa can face up to a 10 year ban from re-entry. I realize that I've gone well past 180 days so that means I could get a three year ban. However my wife's UK visa may not be ready until after June 26th (My one year). Now I can live with a three year ban if I must, but not a ten year one.
So I would like to know:
Are these bans automatic?
Could I possibly get an extra couple of months to stay before they consider a ten year ban? I am going back home after all.
Has anyone had any luck seeking the help of an immigration lawyer or your local consulate?
Any advice would be amazing, Thank you.
John,
(I'm John, Essie husband. Just using her account as i have a few questions of my own.)
I am a UK citizen who was on a L1 visa for a job that i left back June 3rd last year (2011). I married a US citizen on June 6th 2011 and was planing to apply for a green card the next day. Long story short that never happened.
My L1 visa finished June 26th 2011, so I've been out of status for ten months. I am now planning to return to the UK with my wife how is currently applying for her UK visa. I found some information which says that generally people who have stayed past their visa for more than 180 days can face up to a 3 year ban from re-entering the United States, and people who stay longer than 1 year past their visa can face up to a 10 year ban from re-entry. I realize that I've gone well past 180 days so that means I could get a three year ban. However my wife's UK visa may not be ready until after June 26th (My one year). Now I can live with a three year ban if I must, but not a ten year one.
So I would like to know:
Are these bans automatic?
Could I possibly get an extra couple of months to stay before they consider a ten year ban? I am going back home after all.
Has anyone had any luck seeking the help of an immigration lawyer or your local consulate?
Any advice would be amazing, Thank you.
John,