Questions about visa B-1/2 and VWP

[Everards]

Dear reader,



I live in the Netherlands and I am planning to take a year off between my high school and university education. I want to travel to the USA twice: 1) from approximately September until ~20 December; and 2) 4-6 months in the period March - end of August.



I am still doubting whether I'll go for max 90 days or more on my first trip, thus the difference between VWP and a visa B-1/2. Henceforth, I have the following questions:



1. If I visit the USA under the VWP on my first trip for 90 days, how long do I have to be outside the US before I can return for 4-6 months under a visa?

2. If I visit the USA under a B-visa for approximately 3-4 months, how long do I have to be outside the US before I can return for 4-6 months? And can I do this on exactly the same B-visa or do I need to apply for a new one after my first trip (Is the visa valid for so long a period? Can I travel multiple times to the US on the same visa?) ?



Thank you!

[ExperienceIA]

1. No need to wait if you get a visa after using VWP.
2. No specific time. If you want a longer visit, ask for one. Just avoid giving the impression of trying to bypass the rules. Likewise, if you want a multiple entry visa, ask for one; just make sure you can explain why you want it.