How do I visit the USA for 6 months...visa requirements?

[monte]

Hi. We are currently in the canaries and will be heading to Martinique in a month or so. We are thinking of sailing north and ending up the season with a haul out in Florida where we will buy an RV and travel for 5 months during hurricane season. One Aussie, one French and one frenchy dog..
So I'm confused about how to do this. I've read there is a visa waiver program, but it's not available if arriving by boat and is for 90 days only. I also read we can apply for a visa at a US embassy which is located in porto Rico, but need a visa to go to porto Rico..
So does anyone have a tip how to manage what we are trying to do?
Also the 3 month visa waiver scheme. Is that 3 months total in a 12 month period? I guess we could head to Mexico or Canada or somewhere for a couple of months if it works..
Any advice much appreciated

[s/v Moondancer]

Go to Trinidad, a friend got his US visa there but that was 5 yrs ago so check before you depart.

Also check with the US consulate in Martinique.

[atoll]

you need to apply for a B1/B2 visa,costs about $180 per person used to be able to do it in Antigua or Trinidad.,you will also have to go for an interview,and prove you have sufficient funds,and that there is no risk of you staying and working illegally.

[Ex-Calif]

I am sure you have been to the CBT website.

For International Visitors | U.S. Customs and Border Protection

It is hard to figure out the requirements just reading there and I bet it is pretty confusing these days.

If I were going to do what you plan I would probably get some help from a FL based immigration lawyer.

I have had Aussie nieces visit the US but can't remember if anyone them went past the initial 90 days or if they did, could they get an extension while in country.

[Sand crab]

You can't enter by pleasure craft under the visa waiver program (just Canadians qualify) but you can enter by regular visa which is the same. Just more paperwork but it can be done. Going to Canada or Mexico does not reset the clock and you are still under the 90 day rule. Technically you can reset the clock by going home for a day but you will have to reassure the immigration official that you are not a schemer trying to stay or work illegally. Bank accounts, deeds for a house in your country and other docs that show you are a good guy financially. Having all those marina bills wouldn't hurt either. I'd stay a little bit longer away than a day. Here's some good links.
Visa Waiver Program
usa - VWP question regarding re entry - Travel Stack Exchange

Flying to UK to reset 90-day rule for USA's Visa Waiver Program? - Travel Stack Exchange

[Sand crab]

You can file for an extension without leaving. A good thing would be to have your boat in the yard having lots of work done. Click on that link: Form M-572.
Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | USCIS

[monte]

Thanks guys, still having trouble locating an embassy en route from Martinique to fl. I can't find any info. I see you can apply online as per atolls comment but then you need to make an appointment somewhere..

[Sand crab]

Not on the way but close.
Non-Immigrant Visas | Embassy of the United States Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, and the OECS

[roberto11]

hi,
I'm Italian and I had the same problem when I went to USA with my sailing boat.
You NEED a B1/B2 visa to enter in USA with a private boat (or plane).
the visa waiver works just for passengers on commercial planes (and probably cruise ships)
You need a B1/B2 Visa to enter in the US virgin Island with your sailing boat too.
Trinidad was a really good option. Nassau, Bahamas is on the way and the Bahamas are beautiful specially with a cat.

If you take a plane out of the state for few days (mexico) and you are lucky enough to find a nice custom officer, he will give you other 6 months.
good luck
R.

[monte]

Thanks again, yes it seems Bahamas or Dominican Republic. Bahamas we would have to backtrack some miles and same with DR or miss the USVI and puorto Rico
Both options are a pain in the ass, more so than shenghen...

[sestina]

I'm pretty sure B1/B2 visas can be obtained in Barbados. Hard on the wind from Martinique or take the puddle jumper.

Don't think of not visiting the Eastern Seaboard of North America. It's SWMBO's and my favorite cruising ground.

[boatman61]

Stop of in Barbados on the way across.. its supposed to be the best of the islands.. being cut off from the 'Hoi Poloi' out there in the Atlantic.. then its just a few days sail to the chain..

[Hud3]

The US Embassy for the eastern Caribbean is located on Barbados. You and your crews have to show up there in person for an interview, having made an appointment in advance. The application is available online only.

Here's a link to their website: Non-Immigrant Visas | Embassy of the United States Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean, and the OECS

[monte]

Oh yeah Barbados is where I meant. Pity we are crossing with the Atlantic odyssey which arrives in Martinique, otherwise I would definitely stop there. So it's either sail back up there from Martinique or skip the us virgins and peurto Rico and apply in DR. Will we miss much skipping USVI and PR?

[Timd_chapman]

I did this last year. Your best option is the US embassy in Trinidad where they are very accustomed to issuing B1/B2 10 year visas to cruisers. Allow 3 or 4 weeks and it will cost you around $180 each. Nearly all the process is done online, you only need to leave your computer to make the payment at a Scotia Bank and have the short interview at the Embassy.
Other alternatives are Barbados, Jamaica and Nassau but I've heard mixed reports from places other than Trinidad, if you get refused you may be prevented from reapplying.