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What is an ESTA Visa Waiver Program and Who Qualifies?

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a program that allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism without a visa. This program is known as the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

To qualify for an ESTA visa waiver program, you must be a citizen of one of the countries participating in the program. Additionally, you must meet several other criteria, including:

1. You plan to visit the United States for business or tourism purposes for 90 days or less.
2. You have a valid passport from your home country.
3. You have not been previously denied a visa or entry to the United States.
4. You do not have a criminal record or a history of serious medical conditions.
5. You agree to comply with all U.S. immigration laws and regulations.

Citizens of the following countries are currently eligible to apply for an ESTA visa waiver program: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.

If you are a citizen of a country not listed above, you will need to apply for a visa to enter the United States.

To apply for an ESTA visa waiver program, you must complete an online application and pay a fee. The application will ask for your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and passport number. You will also need to answer questions about your travel plans and your eligibility for the program.

It is important to note that an approved ESTA does not guarantee entry into the United States. Upon arrival, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer will make the final decision about whether you are allowed to enter the country.

In conclusion, the ESTA visa waiver program is a convenient option for citizens of participating countries who wish to travel to the United States for business or tourism purposes for a short period. By meeting the eligibility criteria and completing the online application process, you can obtain an ESTA and travel to the U.S. without a visa.

Sources:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection: https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta
• U.S. Department of State: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html 

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an online application system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The VWP enables citizens from certain countries to travel to the US for business or pleasure for up to 90 days without a visa.

If you plan to travel to the US under the VWP, you need to apply for an ESTA, which requires certain documents. Here is a checklist of the required documents for an ESTA application:

1. Passport: You need a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of your intended departure from the US.
2. Personal information: You need to provide your personal information, including your full name, date of birth, and country of citizenship.
3. Travel information: You need to provide information about your travel plans, including your intended date of arrival, address of your stay in the US, and contact information.
4. Employment information: You need to provide information about your employment, including your employer’s name and address, your job title, and your income.
5. Criminal history: You need to disclose any criminal history, including arrests, convictions, and immigration violations.
6. Credit card: You need a credit card to pay the ESTA application fee.

It is important to note that the ESTA is not a visa, and it does not guarantee admission into the US. If you are denied an ESTA, you may still be able to travel to the US by applying for a nonimmigrant visa at a US embassy or consulate.

To ensure that your ESTA application is successful, it is advisable to seek the assistance of an experienced immigration lawyer. An immigration lawyer can help you prepare your application and ensure that you provide all the necessary documents.

Sources:

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/esta/required-documents

https://www.estaform.org/esta-faqs/required-documents-for-esta/  

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is a program that allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business purposes without obtaining a visa. Here are some interesting statistics and facts about the VWP:

1. The VWP was established in 1986 as a pilot program to promote tourism in the United States. It became permanent in 2000.
2. Currently, there are 39 countries that participate in the VWP, including the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, and Australia.
3. In 2019, the VWP accounted for approximately 20% of all nonimmigrant admissions to the United States.
4. In order to participate in the VWP, travelers must meet certain requirements, such as having a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval and a round-trip ticket.
5. VWP travelers are generally allowed to stay in the United States for up to 90 days. However, there are some exceptions and restrictions depending on the specific circumstances of the traveler.
6. The VWP has come under scrutiny in recent years due to security concerns. In response, the US government has implemented additional security measures, such as requiring participating countries to share more information about their citizens and their travel patterns.
7. Some US presidents have expressed their support for the VWP. In 2014, President Barack Obama praised the VWP as a way to promote tourism and business while maintaining national security. However, in 2017, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that called for a review of the VWP and other visa programs in order to strengthen national security.

Sources:

• “Visa Waiver Program (VWP).” US Citizenship and Immigration Services. https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/temporary-workers/visa-waiver-program-vwp
• “Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).” US Department of State. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html
• “Trump signs revised travel ban order.” CNN. http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/06/politics/travel-ban-revised/index.html
• “Obama: Visa waiver program boosts U.S. tourism, strengthens security.” The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/obama-visa-waiver-program-boosts-us-tourism-strengthens-security/2014/11/21/e56d2c54-71db-11e4-8808-afaa1e3a33ef_story.html
• “Visa Waiver Program – Homeland Security.” The Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/articles/visa-waiver-program-homeland-security-11559158828

If you’re planning to travel to the United States using the VWP, make sure to consult the official sources for information on the requirements and restrictions. And remember to always prioritize your safety and security during your travels. 

Generally, no, but after entering the US, you may potentially change status under very limited circumstances such as political asylum or if your intent changed based on marriage to a US citizen where you seek an immigrant petition sponsorship with adjustment of status. Discussing this with an attorney to understand the best way forward is important.