Visa Waiver Program - 90 days re-entry question..

[Smacciemac]

Hi All,

I have seen questions about people wanting to re-enter after visiting Canada etc.. but I really just need clarification on an honest Re-entry.

My friend came here from Finland under the VWP. He stayed 3 weeks and went back to Finland. He will be coming back in May and wants to stay the summer.

I know his ETSA is valid for 2 years.

Can he come for the full 90 days in summer because he went back home? Is there a certain time period to be out of the USA before the 90 day clock resets itself?

We really need this clarified before he buys his plane tickets of course.

Thank you for your help!

 

[elcupacabras]

Theres no clock to reset. Each VWP entrant is granted a 90 day stay each visit (though if the POE officer is suspicious, fewer days may be grated, but this is rare).
It helps that your friend's previous visit was relatively short and they have had a relative extensive stay back home....just a word of caution though- make sure your friend has plenty of ties back to Finland (letter from employer/school stating when they are due back, mortgage/lease papers etc) and that they have enough money to cover such a long trip. If the upcoming trip was shorter then I would say they would be fine, but its always risky attempting to enter for such a long trip.