US ESTA/Visa Question

[worldhopper]

Hi Hive,

Just wanted to see if anyone has similar situation/experience with entry to US (LAX specifically).

What I have :
1. I hold a multiple entry B1/2 - visa on my non-VWP passport [Passport A] - (both passport and visa are current (expires in say, 9 years time, valid for travel)

2. I have also recently acquired Australian passport [Passport B] very recently in the last few months.

(Both passports have the same name and DOB)

What I want:
1. I would like to travel on my Australian passport for the reason being that I would want to make use of the Mobile Passport Control to fast-track immigration at LAX.

What my problem is :
1. I am not sure if I can apply for an ESTA on my Australian passport [Passport B] as I currently hold a visitor visa on Passport A - given the precondition to apply for an ESTA is not holding a visitor visa.

So, my question :
1. Can I apply for an ESTA with Australian Passport? - My concern is having an ESTA rejected then I will forever be damned whenever I want to travel to US, which means going to the consulate, applying for a visa etc etc...and I do not live in a capital city where there is a visa-processing consulate (so more time, money wasted)

2. If I can't, can I enter US with my Australian Passport however, using the B1 visa I have been approved for on Passport B?

3. What are my options for MPC given my slightly tricky situation?

I have emailed CBP for some clarification but thought I pick the brains of the community here as well.

 

[Pele]

I have another question about applying for a USA tourist visa. I have an interview booked in at the consulate however i need to travel overseas (not to the USA) two days after the interview.

At the interview if you are approved do you have to leave your passport there?

I have also used up my three appointment changes so if i have to leave the passport then im screwed and will have to cancel, reapply, pay the outrageous fee again, and try and get an appointment that works.

 

[JohnM]

I have another question about applying for a USA tourist visa. I have an interview booked in at the consulate however i need to travel overseas (not to the USA) two days after the interview.

At the interview if you are approved do you have to leave your passport there?

I have also used up my three appointment changes so if i have to leave the passport then im screwed and will have to cancel, reapply, pay the outrageous fee again, and try and get an appointment that works.

I can only comment based on my experience in 2018 at the Perth US Consulate.

As I had visited Iran, Sudan and Cuba since the last of my many previous ESTA-based US entries, I applied for a visa.

Fronted the consulate. I certainly had to leave my passport for them to affix the visa. IIRC, I was told 1-2 days wait.

No sooner had I got home about an hour or two later I get a SMS saying it was ready to collect.