At some point in the next few years we would like to sail from New Zealand via Tonga via Hawaii to Kodiak and then work our way along the Alaskan coast to British Columbia.

We would apply for our visa in New Zealand. We are British.

Does anyone know if we are likely to be given 1 year visas? Any advice on the best way to go about it?

Thanks

Kath
SY Caramor
(Currently in Chile)

Whereas a British subject is likely to be issued a multiple-entry/multiple-year visa, no tourist visitor to the U.S. can be given any more than a six-month permit at each entry.

It is possible to spend more than six months in the U.S. by departing before the permitted entry expires, and re-entering. It is entirely at the border agent's discretion to issue a further six-month entry permit, or less, or to even deny entry.

Some report that departing from the U.S. to Canada or to Mexico and returning does not at all count as a departure. Even if true, I don't know what the legal basis for this might be, but I pass it on.

In any event, no foreigner should spend more than 180 days in the U.S. in any calendar year, for if this should happen, the tax authorities deem that person to be a "tax resident" and therefore, like all U.S. natural persons, to owe tax on worldwide income. Tax residency confers no benefits of any sort; only costs.

Cheers,

OH
Currently Larnaca, Cyprus