Getting ESTA after 221(g) refusal, but visa was granted after interview

[perkerand]

Hi everyone,

Finally, I got my British passport. I am planning to travel to US, but I am confused whether I should apply for B1/B2 visa OR ESTA.

Few years ago (when I wasn't UK citizen), I applied for a US visa at the U.S. Embassy in London via the Interview Waiver program.
My application was refused under Section 221(g) because I wasn't eligible to use the Interview Waiver, and I had to attend an interview at the Embassy. After that interview, my visa was approved. However, now I have lifelong record about US visa denial which I have to mention during ESTA application.

My concern is that if I apply for ESTA and it is rejected, I will get another rejection record.

Questions:
1) Could someone share an experience of applying for ESTA with previous visa refusal?
2) In case of doubt in ESTA application success, should I apply for B1/B2 visa straightway?

[Ticktack]

Hi everyone,

Finally, I got my British passport. I am planning to travel to US, but I am confused whether I should apply for B1/B2 visa OR ESTA.

Few years ago (when I wasn't UK citizen), I applied for a US visa at the U.S. Embassy in London via the Interview Waiver program.
My application was refused under Section 221(g) because I wasn't eligible to use the Interview Waiver, and I had to attend an interview at the Embassy. After that interview, my visa was approved. However, now I have lifelong record about US visa denial which I have to mention during ESTA application.

My concern is that if I apply for ESTA and it is rejected, I will get another rejection record.

Questions:
1) Could someone share an experience of applying for ESTA with previous visa refusal?
2) In case of doubt in ESTA application success, should I apply for B1/B2 visa straightway?

Apply for ESTA as normal using British Passport. The form would ask you if you've ever been denied a US visa before blah blah, just say yes. Then give the date of event. Unfortunately, the form doesn't give you the time of day to explain that you were eventually granted a US visa.

Just go with the flow. It's not a problem.

ESTA approval would be issued in 48 hours. With the wordings "Welcome to the United States".