Esta or visa? This is complicated.

[antheve]

My sister in law lived in America for 6 months in 2018/19. She was there with her then husband. I think she was named on his E-2 visa. They moved there for his work.
Whilst there they separated and she moved back to the uk. He is still in America.
She is coming to Florida this year with us. Can anyone help me with a few queries?
Does this E-2 visa still exist, taking into account she was on it as spouse but they’re no longer together?
Can she travel on an esta after technically previously having a visa?
Hopefully someone can help.

[Gryff]

She needs to contact the proper authorities to get a divinitive answer
They may need all relevant information regarding Visa date of leaving no US Divorce etc
Only they can tell you what they want and believe me that changes frequently

[antheve]

Originally Posted by Gryff

She needs to contact the proper authorities to get a divinitive answer
They may need all relevant information regarding Visa date of leaving no US Divorce etc
Only they can tell you what they want and believe me that changes frequently

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Thanks. I take it that will be the American embassy?

[Gryff]

Yes it easier to get all the stuff gathered including police checks etc and then approach them / book an appointment Belfast often has more appointments
I know some will say just apply for an esta but=that again can delay everything we’ve been there heck yes they may say as in our case
An Esta is fine but if it hadn’t 6=8 weeks to get the documents. 10 weeks to get an appointment Visa granted there and then but 9 weeks
For it to come it’s for 10 years

[Guest]

I used to have an A2 visa but for holidays to the USA I used the ESTA scheme as the A2 was not suitable for entering the country for leisure purposes. Resulted in a couple of questions on one trip (to New York not Orlando) but generally not a problem. It didn't stop me from applying for an ESTA, but very sensible to get this question answered directly by the relevant American authorities as it's not one you want to get wrong answer to!

[antheve]

Originally Posted by robrar

I used to have an A2 visa but for holidays to the USA I used the ESTA scheme as the A2 was not suitable for entering the country for leisure purposes. Resulted in a couple of questions on one trip (to New York not Orlando) but generally not a problem. It didn't stop me from applying for an ESTA, but very sensible to get this question answered directly by the relevant American authorities as it's not one you want to get wrong answer to!

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Thank you for the replies. That is basically the feeling we are getting. If you are entering USA for leisure rather than what the Visa was issued for esta is the way to go.
She phoned the USA embassy today but they won’t discuss anything over the phone.

[Pussycat Doll]

She might be better calling Customs and Border Patrol, the embassy usually tell everyone to get a visa!