Overstay Controls

[Crema Americana]

I recently came to the US for the holidays and was given a bit of a hard time at migrations when I went to pay the overstay fee. Nothing really serious, and I believe this has happened to others before me, but I was wondering if anyone else has noticed them being more strict. The other two times I overstayed they never gave me any trouble... in fact, I was surprised at how nonchalant they were. It was a sign and pay kind of thing. This time both workers (even the one that was in the back making photocopies for someone else) chimed in about how I should get residency or I could be denied return to Argentina. They were pretty emphatic about it! From what I gathered this is supposedly my last permitted overstay.

I'm not really concerned about being denied reentry and have plans to do the paperwork since I'm married to an Argentine (though they weren't interested in hearing that)... but I was just wondering if anyone else had a similar experience. There's lots of people traveling for the holidays and I haven't heard anyone else having issues, so maybe I just ran into a couple of overzealous agents.

 

[citygirl]

One of the girls staying here left before Xmas and she had overstayed her visa by 5 months. They never said a word to her and no questions asked when she came back 10 days later. Same with another girl that left in early Dec after overstaying by 2 months - no proble for her on the way out. That's my only first hand experience. Maybe because you have several overstays, they were being more zealous?

 

[nikad]

If you are married to an Argentine, you are legally entitled to coma and go as you please, just start off with the paper stuff for your residency and whenever you go in or out of the country take a copy of your marriage certificate and say you already initiated the residency process. They cannot deny you entry and they should not be charging you no fees.

 

[JamJam]

I was given a bit of a hard time on the border with Brazil last week.
Not too bothered as the next time I leave it will be for good so a 5 year ban is nothing.

 

[NickBA]

Is a 5 year ban common?

 

[Smcali23]

Having done this for many years, I can say pretty much with complete certainty that they're no stricter and no less strict.

I've passed through with no problems and been given the third degree on more than one occasion. It all depends who you speak to. I have had two 'ultima proroga' stamps in my passport (which kinda makes a mockery out of that one).

Now that I'm married and (only now after two years) getting my papers sorted, I have come and gone in the meantime with my red libretto in my hand, letting the immigration officers know with a wink and a smile what a hassle it is to get the tramites. They've just waved me through and wished me good luck.

 

[Gorilla Monsoon]

I hadn't been out of Argentina for 3+ years before I went back to London for Xmas. I didn't have a single problem at all, paid the fine and even had a joke with the guys working behind the desk. Took all of 1 minute. I honestly think it boils down to a) who's behind the desk on the day you travel b ) what kind of mood they're in!

 

[Bajo_cero2]

Is a 5 year ban common?

yes, after an administrative process that takes 3 months.

 

[NickBA]

I hadn't been out of Argentina for 3+ years before I went back to London for Xmas. I didn't have a single problem at all, paid the fine and even had a joke with the guys working behind the desk. Took all of 1 minute. I honestly think it boils down to a) who's behind the desk on the day you travel b ) what kind of mood they're in!

Were you here for the 3+ years with an expired visa for this time or had you been constantly renewing it?

 

[Gorilla Monsoon]

Were you here for the 3+ years with an expired visa for this time or had you been constantly renewing it?

3+ years with an expired visa.