B2 Visa for the Pacific Crest Trail

Hi there,

I’m planning to hike the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) in the U.S. this year, starting in mid-April. For those who aren’t familiar, it’s a long-distance trek across the U.S., stretching from the Mexican border all the way to Canada. It’s about 4,250 km to cover, usually taking 4-5 months (I’ve budgeted 5 months for myself). The route takes you through stunning landscapes—think 6 different ecosystems, 7 national parks, 25 forests, and dozens of lakes and rivers. I was looking for a multi-month trek, and this one sold me the dream. I’m determined, a lover of wild nature and challenges, and I think about it every day. Nothing’s going to stop me from doing it—except, maybe, that infamous B2 visa.

Here’s my problem: I’ve read a lot online about this visa, and to maximize my chances of getting it, I basically need to: - Provide clear and coherent explanations for my trip (so far, so good) - Prove sufficient financial means (still okay, even though I’m not rich) - Show proof that I’ll return to my home country after the 6 months granted by the visa (employment promise, work contract, property ownership) (uh-oh… this is where it gets tricky)

The thing is, I’m a professional musician, and I don’t have a stable job. I make a living by performing at concerts and giving private saxophone lessons, but I mostly work under the table. I’ve also worked in restaurants for a long time, but same issue. I don’t own an apartment or a house, but I rent a music studio in an artist’s workshop, and I’m currently living with my dad. I have strong family ties in Paris (like my parents or grandparents). I also have an uncle who lives in Seattle, and I plan to visit him at the end of my trek.

- What do you think my chances are of getting the visa? - Do you think I should lie? (I’ve built a great relationship with my former boss, and I thought maybe I could ask her for a fake employment promise—but I’m not sure she’d agree, or I could forge one myself?) - Any advice?

Any tips would be welcome. This is really weighing on me day by day, and I’m so afraid my dream will be ruined because of it…

Thanks to everyone who takes the time to help me

It's best not to lie.

Hey, What an awesome project! Why not apply for the visa right away—you’ll know where you stand! And just saying, like Etrefal mentioned, lying isn’t recommended, especially not to U.S. authorities... Good luck!

Hi,

No, you shouldn’t apply for the visa "just to see": if the visa is denied, you can no longer get an ESTA for 90 days (denied because of a recent visa refusal, to be confirmed), so no trip to the U.S. at all.

Hi there,

My feeling is that your chances are slim: no permanent job in France, not a homeowner, no kids in school, and family in the U.S. (don’t mention that). And a job offer isn’t worth much.

Why not do this trek in two separate 90-day trips (with a return to France in between), or start the first part from the Mexican border and after about 3 months of hiking north, take a flight or bus to Canada and continue for 2 months in the Canadian Rockies...

Thanks everyone for your replies,

And thanks Derviche666 for your honesty and advice. The more forums I read, the more I think you're right, Derviche666—my chances seem slim indeed. It's such a shame to need so much paperwork just to walk in nature, but that's how the world works (well, especially the U.S.).

You make a great point about if my visa is denied, I won’t even be able to go with the 3-month ESTA. Even though I’m not used to giving up and I’m actually pretty stubborn, I think I have to face the facts: the risk is too high given my unstable professional situation, and on top of that, I’m a terrible liar. I appreciate the alternative of doing 3 months and then heading to the Canadian Rockies. But I don’t think I could handle not being able to finish it all the way (I know it’s silly, but it’s part of my stubbornness—when I start a trek, I always want to see it through to the end. It’s like some kind of quest, I don’t know how to explain it).

On another note, I think I’ve found another alternative that might even be better than my initial idea: doing the Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand! It looks absolutely stunning and even wilder than the PCT. I can apply for a working holiday visa valid for 1 year since I’m under 31, and the conditions are way easier to meet! Budget-wise, it’s roughly the same as the PCT (slightly more expensive, but not by much), and why not stay and work there for 6 months after my trek (3,000 km, so about 3 to 4 months) if I like the place!

The recommended time to go is between October and February, which gives me more time to save up. The only downside is there’s less info about the trek (no complete GPS track or detailed map of the whole trail) and it requires more autonomy (up to 2 weeks, from what I’ve read). But all in all, I have more time to prepare, and with some in-depth research, I’ll manage to figure it out.

Plus, I’m a huge *Lord of the Rings* fan ;)

Hi Luiks,

Ahhh, that famous movie with Reese Witherspoon that made me discover this trek too! It sounds amazing!! You’re not starting with an advantage, but you’ve got to give it a shot. Obviously, the fact that you’re officially unemployed won’t work in your favor. Sure, don’t lie, but don’t go into details—keep it concise! (No need to mention your under-the-table jobs or your uncle in Seattle!!) ; - Purpose of the trip: A 5-6 month trek (with documentation to back it up). A 6-month break before returning to France to my music studio and family. - Sufficient financial means, you say... That’s up to the consular officer to decide. - Proof of a return flight ticket after 6 months. - Also present international health/repatriation insurance in case of trouble.

Keep us posted! I’m personally interested in this project too. In the distant future...! Good luck! !

Well, there you go, it's even better if you have a plan B! So stick to your guns and try for that B2 visa! And if it doesn't work out, the world's a big place and you can just cross the USA off your list.

Hi Alessia, and thanks for your reply!

Do you still think I should give it a shot? I’m worried that if they ask me whether I know anyone in the US, it’ll be written all over my face that I’m lying (I know consular officers are trained to spot lies). As for my funds, I have 6000 € in my account—just enough to do the PCT, really. If I get refused, could it hurt my chances for other foreign visas later? And honestly, the idea of being blacklisted from the US for life just because I wanted to hike the PCT really puts me off. My situation isn’t about to change because I love my job—even though it’s unstable by nature, for me it’s like a trek: it’s an adventure. Plus, New Zealand is starting to sound like a dream now! :)

Hi, I guess you might have seen this upcoming meet-up by any chance—here’s the discussion: https://voyageforum.com/discussion/soiree-pacific-crest-trail-paris-jeudi-17-janvier-2019-d9245188/

Hey!

So, did you end up going on that hike after all?! 🙂

Anyway, I’m circling back to the B2 visa—I got mine, and I even managed to hike a bit of the PCT. Now I’m wondering about the rules for re-entering the U.S. with this visa. The B2 is valid for 10 years, you can stay up to 6 months at a time, but how long do you have to wait before coming back to the U.S. to get another 6-month stay?