One way that a foreign national can determine their eligibility to travel to the United States is through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. The ESTA is a system that allows foreign nationals to assess their eligibility to travel to the United States through the Visa Waiver Program. There are a number of qualifications that a person may need to meet in order to be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization allows users to answer questions and submit information about themselves to see whether they may qualify to travel without a visa.
The ESTA is used to determine if a potential visitor to the United States can be considered a threat to national security or if they are safe to enter the country without a visa. It is important to know that an ESTA is not considered a visa and that if you already have a valid travel visa, you don’t have to apply for an ESTA. Once you have been determined eligible, you can apply for the Visa Waiver Program. If determined eligible for the VWP, persons from countries that participate in this program can travel to the United States without a visa for a maximum of 90 days. You are permitted to travel for either tourism or business.
Anyone who is a national of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program will be required to apply for ESTA. All children, regardless of how old they are or whether they are accompanied, will have to get ESTA approval. A relative can submit their application on their behalf if they are too young to do it on their own. An ESTA is valid for 2 years from the day that it has been granted.
If you have questions, contact an experienced immigration attorney today.
John Sesini is an experienced immigration attorney with offices in Green Bay and Milwaukee Wisconsin. If you have any questions regarding these matters, please contact the Sesini Law Group, S.C. and obtain your initial consultation.