I overstayed my J-1 visa almost 22 years ago (for 76 days)

There are many forms of J1, the AuPair category is a 12 month visa with the option to extend a further 12 months.



Staying on once you terminate the arrangement is not allowed, but unless the host family or sponsor reported that, it's unlikely they know. Taking on other work on an Au Pair visa is also regarded as a serious offence. If you tell them that, you will likely be banned entry to the US for a time, perhaps even permanently.

OK. With that information I'm now considering canceling the whole trip.
 
OK. With that information I'm now considering canceling the whole trip.

So then a self-imposed ban. Why not find out their position now? Be honest about arrival/ departure dates, even open about staying on for some time after finishing up as an Au Pair, but don't tell them you worked. It's unlikely the restaurant has reported you as that would only invite the Immigration serview to pay closer attention to their business.
 
So then a self-imposed ban. Why not find out their position now? Be honest about arrival/ departure dates, even open about staying on for some time after finishing up as an Au Pair, but don't tell them you worked. It's unlikely the restaurant has reported you as that would only invite the Immigration serview to pay closer attention to their business.

Sure. I'll try. Just a little paranoid. Reading about the j1 for au-pairs, you can stay for an additional 30 days after you end the program. That means I've actually overstayed for 36 days.

And what are the chances they'll try to track down everyone I had a relationship with back in the states? Will they put in that much effort?
 
And what are the chances they'll try to track down everyone I had a relationship with back in the states? Will they put in that much effort?

They won't do any leg work to attempt to track people down to coroborate your story, they'll just review the details and dates they have recorded about you on their system. It's very unlikely they have any details on the time working in the restaurant. If they ask about staying on after you ended the au pair program,acknowledge that you did, you can say you don't rememer specifically how many days, but that you ensured you did leave before the expiry date of the original visa.
 
And what are the chances they'll try to track down everyone I had a relationship with back in the states? Will they put in that much effort?

"Zero chance", and "no effort" to answer your questions. They don't have the resoureces to do that kind of work on all the people who have been flagged as potential terrorists, never mind somone who overstayed by a few weeks. Go for the visa and see what happens. I'd be as honest as possible, without mentioning working during the overstaying period. Worst case is you don't get the visa, which is hardly the end of the world.
 
"Zero chance", and "no effort" to answer your questions. They don't have the resoureces to do that kind of work on all the people who have been flagged as potential terrorists, never mind somone who overstayed by a few weeks. Go for the visa and see what happens. I'd be as honest as possible, without mentioning working during the overstaying period. Worst case is you don't get the visa, which is hardly the end of the world.

It won't be the end of the world to me, but perhaps to my daughter. We'd had a rough few years after I lost her baby sister in stillbirth. Me with my sorrow and all - not being able to be the present mom I should be. I guess the embassy won't care about my heartbreak, but that IS the truth as well.

I'll just cross my fingers and hope for the best.

With that said - an ex colleague just went over with her two kids for vacation. She was an au-pair at the same time as me, with no visa what so ever. She just filled out the ESTA-application, lying her teeth out, with no worries. But we're all different I guess. I feel though, especially traveling with my child, I will absolutely not risk the trauma of being deported at the airport.
 
I did something similar and overstayed on an i94 years ago. When I wanted to go back to the US on holidays I applied for and got a B1/b2 visa... I’m never allowed enter again on the waiver as I changed my visa status..the B1/b2 visa lasts for 10 years.. why not apply for one? I provided proof of residency, employment and it cost approx €100 8 years ago.
 
I did something similar and overstayed on an i94 years ago. When I wanted to go back to the US on holidays I applied for and got a B1/b2 visa... I’m never allowed enter again on the waiver as I changed my visa status..the B1/b2 visa lasts for 10 years.. why not apply for one? I provided proof of residency, employment and it cost approx €100 8 years ago.

That's what I'm doing. Got an appointment in a couple of weeks :)
 
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Hi Lulle - So very sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter, that's so heart-breaking & I hope you're managing ok, am not too sure what to say after that I'm afraid.

Just an outsiders perspective - If you do shift the focus off the US there are so many amazing and stunning countries or destinations for you and your daughter to make really exciting plans to visit.

- Do you think if the two of ye started researching and making exciting plans together it could take on a new momentum of its own and turn into something special you brought about together?

Just a thought.
 
Hi Lulle - So very sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter, that's so heart-breaking & I hope you're managing ok, am not too sure what to say after that I'm afraid.

Just an outsiders perspective - If you do shift the focus off the US there are so many amazing and stunning countries or destinations for you and your daughter to make really exciting plans to visit.

- Do you think if the two of ye started researching and making exciting plans together it could take on a new momentum of its own and turn into something special you brought about together?

Just a thought.

Thank you <3

I've already bought and given her the ticket. It's her dream come true and I wanted to make it happen. Wasn't aware of the hazzle though.

We'll see what happens after my visit on the embassy. If I won't get a visa we'll take it from there :)
 
As indicated at the start of the thread it pays to be upfront, there has been a lot of worry about this especially when tickets are in hand prior to obtaining travel authorisation, delighted it is resolved.
 
As indicated at the start of the thread it pays to be upfront, there has been a lot of worry about this especially when tickets are in hand prior to obtaining travel authorisation, delighted it is resolved.

I was actually ready to answer any question, but I didn't had to lie one single time. And that feels kind of good.

When I come to think of it; why I left the program is probably not of their interest anyway. Just the fact that I left and overstayed. I was so nervous I almost pooped my pants :p, but obviously they found me trustworthy enough to get a visa.

I can never enter the visa waiver again, but if I need to renew it in 10 years it will probably not be any worse at least.
 
Hi,
Great news. I was really cheering for you.
Did you list your SSN in the application?
Also when you listed the dates of your stay in the US did they ask you if you overstayed or how did you make it clear that you did? There are no questions on the DS-160 whether one overatayed? Did you say that your visa was revoked? I would much appreciate your answers.
 
I applied for an esta in December 2018. As I overstayed my visa 10 yrs ago I answered yes to that question on the esta application . this means automatic refusal and you will have to go to the embassy to apply for a visitor visa. You could lie and answer no but if found out it means a lifetime ban from entering the states.
 
Did you get tour visa Mharan?
I am in a very similar situation. Just awaiting my appointment day, except I need a business visa/ multiple entry one. Think it is actually the same type. Any tips on documents to take with? I have a whole pile ready but any tips may be helpful.
 
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