Moving from P-1 Visa to I-94 Visa Waver Programme via Canada - is this possible?

[bracalea]

I've found myself in a bit of a dilemma. I am a Irish & UK citizen. I'm due to fly to USA for work on 20th November. After work, I have booked to visit friends until 28th November. I thought my Visa was valid until 28th November but it expires on 26th November. I have an ESTA. I understand I can't transition from a P-1 Visa to an ESTA without leaving the USA and renetering using the ESTA. My work finishes on 22nd November. I will be flying from Detroit on 23rd November. Would it be possible to leave the USA to Canada on 23rd and reenter filling out an I-94 form, and stay in the USA until 28th November?

[newacct]

What matters is not the expiration date of the visa (US visas are only for entry), but the expiration date of the P1 petition. What does the I-129 approval notice say? The officer at entry can admit you for up to 10 days after the expiration of the petition.

[bracalea]

Thank you for your reply. The I-129 approval notice states: "Valid from 11/17/2019 to 11/26/2019". How do I ask the officer to admit me for 10 days after the expiration of the petition?

[Anjola]

This is a bit tricky especially because of the Visa expiration; id suggest you actually ask a lawyer, maybe on immigration question

[abuislam]

Yes, it’s possible to transition from a P-1 Visa to the Visa Waiver Program by leaving the USA and re-entering through Canada. You would need to leave the USA before your P-1 Visa expires and then return using your ESTA, which allows you to stay until the 28th. Just make sure you correctly complete the I-94 form upon re-entry. Safe travels!