Tourist Travel on VWP while applying for B1

[Shane_Mc_Esq]

Hi There,

I've been in the US on business 4 times this year (total of 7 weeks). As I'm an Irish citizen, I travelled each time under the VWP and cleared immigration in Shannon Airport.

However, on my last trip the immigration officer expressed a concern that I was working in the US as opposed to conducting business. After secondary inspection, where I explained my situation to another immigration officer, I was permitted to travel.

I've been back in Ireland since Mid April, and have made reservations for a personal vacation to the US for one week in Mid July. Since then, it has become apparent that I may need to travel to the US for business again later in the year, but that this time my trip may run over the 90 day limit of the VWP, so I will need to apply for B1 visa.

I have a couple of questions I'm hoping you may be able to help me with:
1 - As I understand it, I shouldn't have travel reservations made when applying for B1 visa. Does this mean I cannot apply for this Visa until I return from my vacation in July?

2 - If I apply for B1 visa before my own vacation, can I still travel under the VWP for non-business purposes, i.e. my own vacation or would I also need the B2 visa?

3 - Given that this will be my 5th trip to the US this year (although for non-business purposes this time) are the Immigration Officers still likely to be concerned that I plan to work in the US....which I certainly don't.

Appreciate any guidance you can give in this matter,

Thanks
S

 

[Triple Citizen]

A1: You can apply whenever you want to
A2: Yes, you should be able to do so. However be prepared to answer questions if the admitting officer sees a B-1 visa in your passport.
A3: They may or may not be concerned, depends on the officer. Luck of the Irish, no pun intended

1 - As I understand it, I shouldn't have travel reservations made when applying for B1 visa. Does this mean I cannot apply for this Visa until I return from my vacation in July?

2 - If I apply for B1 visa before my own vacation, can I still travel under the VWP for non-business purposes, i.e. my own vacation or would I also need the B2 visa?

3 - Given that this will be my 5th trip to the US this year (although for non-business purposes this time) are the Immigration Officers still likely to be concerned that I plan to work in the US....which I certainly don't.

 

[aleli]

kind of visa...

Hi, i just want to go in US to visit my friend i am here in Canada now as a foreign worker.Do i need to get tourist visa or i can use a visa waiver program?
thank's hope you can help me.

aleli

 

[Triple Citizen]

Firstly, you should have started your own thread, instead of hijacking someone else's.
Secondly, what citizenship do you hold?

Do i need to get tourist visa or i can use a visa waiver program?