Can Aussies Stay For Longer

[Silver Nomad]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this but my other half and I would like to travel the mighty US for 2-3 years. We are both in our 60's but not officially retired. We will be self funded, and not requiring jobs or social security. All we want to do is buy an RV and a truck to tow it and see the sights and spend our money in your stores. We've been told we can do this by Visa Waiver but for only 3 months at a time and then leave the whole continent, before returning to do another three months. This means leaving our stuff in storage and then flying to Europe or somewhere, (more cost) before re-entering for another 3 months. Another option is to apply for a 6 month Visa and then re-applying for another 6 months stay in the US while there. A total of 12 months. We have spent quite a bit of time travelling the country already, but no longer than three months at any one time. In fact we are heading back there for 6 weeks to become Leaf Peepers in the Tetons later this month. Coming from Australia each time means horrendous air travel costs, plus many long hours in cramped seats.

Have any Aussies done such a trip and do they have any tips on how to achieve our dreams? Could we just go into Canada for a few months and then back into the USA?

[keithg]

Welcome to the forum Ann. Wow, how did i know your name lol. Id also like to know the answer and im sure someone will be able to help. Ive found this site fantastic. Great advice from everyone.
Keith.

[Lifemagician]

Hi, and Welcome to The Great American RoadTrip Forum.

You seem to have done your homework, and know pretty well how the system works. And no, you cannot just go into Canada, you need to go to a country which does not have a connection - physical or political - with the US. Neither are you able to apply for a second 6 months - assuming you are able to get a B2 visa in the first place - while in the States. That can only be done on re-entry.

What I would do, if I were you, is write a letter to the Ambassador in Canberra, and state your case. You will probably get a reply from your local consulate. (Each time I have written, that is what happened.) Meanwhile, don 't hold your breath!

Lifey

[keithg]

Bit of a blow to your plans there Ann. If you could work it somehow, and you are retired, you can still claim your Aussie pension. If you have worked here in Australia for 25 years, you get it subject to the usual means tests. If you have only worked here for 20 years, then its 4/5 the pension. I found a site and was just reading it all. Here is the site of agreements with a number of countries by australia.

http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/about-fahc...ity-agreements

Goodluck. Keith

[lifechangingyear]

Your information and Life Magician's are correct. Unless you can get some sort of special dispensation you cannot travel for that length of time in the states. The 3 month waiver also only allows you 180 days in every 12 month period (last time I checked). So you can't just leave and come back. I'd suggest travelling a little further afield as we did. We are from Australia and ended up having 3 months in SE Asia, 3 months USA, now 3 months in Europe then we will go back to Asia. You can get fairly cheap flights/cruises between the continents if you keep your eyes open and stay flexible! Good luck on your adventure!!

[Silver Nomad]

Thank you very much Lifey. I appreciate your help. It's a bit disappointing but pretty much what I expected. It's pretty much the same for people coming to Aus too. It's easier to get in here if you claim to be a '"refugee'' and join the 'boat people'. (you could even get social security.Haha)

[Silver Nomad]

Thanks Lifechangingyear. We checked up on what you said and although we could go into the US several times in one year it is recommended by Homeland Security that you don't, unless it's for legit business of course, as it makes the US customs suspicious and could cause them to refuse entry which would then be game over for any future trips. Oh, well, back to the drawing board!!!

[Silver Nomad]

Thanks Keith. Looks like we'll have to stick to going for maybe 3-6 months every couple of years though, once we're officially job free. Oh well, it's better than nothing.:)

[Lifemagician]

Do you have children? If so, get one of them to marry a yank, and live in the US... then you can get a B2 visa. Alternatively, get a child (or grandchild) to obtain a position which transfers their job to the US. It too will get you a family friendly (B2) visa.

A B2 visa allows visits up to 6 months per entry. This year, I arrived on 26th March. My passport was stamped 25th September. I took my grandson for a holiday to Oz on 8th July, and returned with him to the US on 17th July. My passport was then stamped 16th January, 2013. (Before I returned, I could not get anyone to tell me if my passport would again be stamped for six months. Go figure!)

I fly home on 25th September.

Lifey