Apply for a Waiver of the Exchange Visitor Two-Year Home-Country Physical Presence Requirement
- Complete the Online J Visa Waiver Recommendation Application
- Mail your Waiver Application and Fee Payment
- Submit Supporting Documents
- Check your Waiver Request Status and Update your Contact Information
- If the Waiver Review Division Needs More Information from You
- Processing Times
- Department of State Recommendation and Final Determination by USCIS
Full Answer
How to apply for an US visa waiver?
Your documents must include:
- Current Passport
- DS-160 Application Form
- Interview Waiver Confirmation Letter
- Old Passport with previous B1/B2 visa
- 2 photos, colored, white-background, unretouched, 2×2 inch photograph on glossy paper, taken within the last 6 months, in neutral facial expression and with both eyebrows and ears exposed.
What countries have visa waiver?
- State of Palestine – Reciprocal visa waiver agreement signed on Oct 12, 2021 in Belgrade by Hon Mark Brantley
- Gabon – Visa waiver agreement signed on Oct 11, 2021 in Belgrade, Serbia
- Burkina Faso – Reciprocal visa waiver signed on Oct 11, 2021 in Belgrade.
What countries do not require a visa?
- Albania
- Angola
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Eswatini
- Georgia
- Haiti
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Micronesia
Who is eligible for the Visa Waiver Program?
Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Travelers seeking to enter the United States for business or tourism (B-1/B-2 visa), or in transit (C-1) for less than 90 days may be eligible to travel to the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if they meet specific requirements. The VWP cannot be used if your purpose of travel is to study for ...
How do you get a visa Waiver Program?
Visa Waiver ProgramOverview. ... Requirements for Using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) ... Must Be a Citizen or National of a VWP Designated Country* ... Each Traveler Must Have a Valid ESTA. ... Updating Your ESTA. ... Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015. ... Have the Correct Type of Passport.More items...
How long does it take to get a visa waiver approved?
This will take anywhere from four to nine months. Once a decision has been made, you will receive notification in the mail. All in all, the entire application and approval process takes anywhere from 12 to 18 months.
How much is a visa waiver for us?
A nonimmigrant visa cost $160 USD which is applicable to the B1/B2 visa. Travelers that fall under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must apply for an ESTA which has a different pricing structure.
Is the Visa Waiver Program free?
Travelers seeking to enter the United States for business or tourism (B-1/B-2 visa), or in transit (C-1) for less than 90 days may be eligible to travel to the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if they meet specific requirements.
Can I apply for a U.S. waiver myself?
While it is possible to apply for a US Entry Waiver yourself by completing Form I-192 which allows inadmissible non-immigrant aliens to request permission for temporary admittance to the United States, it is important to realize that it is a highly complex legal process that can easily overwhelm someone without ...
How do I get a U.S. visa waiver for interview?
How to ApplyPay the visa application fee.Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.Register on this web page. ... Print out the Interview Waiver confirmation letter and send all of your documents by TNT/Fedex as explained here).
How long is a U.S. visa waiver valid for?
two yearsEach approved ESTA application generally is valid for two years and allows for multiple visits to the United States within that period without having to apply for another ESTA approval. Travelers whose passports will expire in less than two years will receive an ESTA valid until the passport's expiration date.
How long does visa waiver last?
It only allows you to travel to the United States under the terms of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which only allows you to stay in the United States for 90 days or less.
How long can I stay in the US without a visa?
90 daysThe Visa Waiver Program (VWP), administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the State Department, permits citizens of 40 countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa.
Which countries can enter USA without visa?
As of 2021, nationals of 40 countries and territories are eligible for visa-free entry into the United States under the VWP:Andorra.Australia.Austria.Belgium.Brunei.Chile.Croatia.Czech Republic.More items...
How much does an ESTA cost 2022?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security approved an increase in the ESTA fee from $ 14 to $ 21 in May 2022. Travelers from the countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program will have to pay this cost for the ESTA application.
How many countries are there in the Visa Waiver Program?
40 countriesVisa Waiver Program Countries. There are currently 40 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program: Andorra (1991)
How long does it take to get a waiver to enter US?
How long does it take to receive a US entry waiver? The application process for a US entry waiver can take from six to 18 months depending on its complexity.
How long does a waiver application take?
Once your waiver has been submitted, it will take up to one year to be processed and approved or rejected by the DHA. While this may be a very long time to process, ensure that you apply long before your visa is scheduled to expire.
How fast is ESTA approval?
within three daysAlthough there are no specific rules regarding how many days in advance you need to apply for ESTA, normally you will receive the results of your application within three days, or 72 hours. Therefore, it is recommended to apply for it at least three days in advance.
Can you speed up ESTA process?
The short answer to this question is no, you cannot fast track an ESTA application. However, by ensuring that your ESTA application is completed with all of the correct information, there is a much better chance that it will get processed quickly and approved.
What is ESTA visa?
ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Authorization via ESTA does not determine whether a traveler is admissible to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers determine admissibility upon travelers’ arrival.
When to apply for ESTA?
The ESTA application collects biographic information and answers to VWP eligibility questions. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, though it is recommended that travelers apply as soon as they begin preparing travel plans or prior to purchasing airline tickets.
What is the new entry requirement for Canada?
Canada has introduced a new entry requirement, known as Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travelers with a valid visa. Apply online today: Canada.ca/eTA
Do you need an e-passport to use a VWP?
In addition, as of April 1, 2016, you must have an e-passport to use the VWP. An e-Passport is an enhanced secure passport with an embedded electronic chip.
Easy 4 Step Process
If you are looking for a short term visit to the USA then you will need the USA Visa Waiver, also known as an ESTA. then you can get started by on this site by clicking ‘ Get Started ‘.
USA Visa Types
A Visa is required for any foreign national wishing to enter the United States. It could be a non-immigrant visa for a short period of time or an immigrant visa for a long period of time. To enter the United States, Indians must get a non-immigrant visa.
How to update my J visa waiver?
Has your contact information (address, phone number, or email address) changed? You must update your information on the J Visa Waiver Online webpage. Select “Inform the Department of State of a change to personal data.” We can contact you only if we have your accurate contact information.
What happens if you don't recommend a waiver to USCIS?
If we do not recommend to USCIS that you be granted a waiver, we will send you a copy of the unfavorable waiver recommendation that we send to USCIS.
How to check status of J visa?
To check the status of your case, go to the J Visa Waiver Online webpage and select “Check the status.” Next , enter your case number. It will say if we received your DS-3035 online application and fee payment (Step 2 of the Instructions) and supporting documents (Step 3 of the Instructions). The system will also inform you if any required documents are missing. Allow approximately one month after submitting a complete application before checking your status. You may send questions about your case or questions that are not answered on this website to [email protected] . We will send you a response by email.
How to request a waiver of the two year physical presence requirement?
A request by an interested U.S. federal government agency must be in a letter. The head of the agency, or his or her designee, must sign the letter and submit it to the Waiver Review Division. ( Note: The interested U.S. federal government agency cannot provide the letter to you to submit.) The letter must explain why granting a waiver of the two-year home-country physical presence requirement is in the public interest of the United States and why it would be detrimental to the agency if you must return to your home country to fulfill the requirement. Any U.S. federal government agency may request a waiver under this basis.
How long does it take to check on a J visa waiver?
You may check your application status on the J Visa Waiver Online webpage. Allow approximately 1 month after you and the third party submit all supporting document before checking.
Where to fill out DS-3035?
Complete Form DS-3035, available on the J Visa Waiver Online webpage. Follow the online instructions. You must use the online form. Did you submit another form version? We will return your waiver application to you without the processing fee. The fee is non-refundable.
What form do I need to apply for a VA waiver?
VA applications must include a signed memorandum of agreement between you and the hospital in place of a three-year contract. Persecution. You must submit Form I-612, Application for Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Who waives the application of clause I of subsection A(6)?
(i) (1) The Attorney General may, in the discretion of the Attorney General, waive the application of clause (i) of subsection (a) (6) (C) in the case of an immigrant who is the spouse, son, or daughter of a United States citizen or of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, if it is established to the satisfaction of the Attorney General that the refusal of admission to the United States of such immigrant alien would result in extreme hardship to the citizen or lawfully resident spouse or parent of such an alien or, in the case of a VAWA self-petitioner, the alien demonstrates extreme hardship to the alien or the alien's United States citizen, lawful permanent resident, or qualified alien parent or child.
What is the purpose of the Immigration and Nationality Act?
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) establishes the types of visas available for travel to the United States and what conditions must be met before an applicant can be issued a particular type of visa. The situations which make a visa applicant ineligible for a visa, called visa ineligibilities, are found in the INA, and other immigration laws. The INA also contains provisions for certain ineligible applicants to apply for waivers of their ineligibility.
Can an alien be issued a visa?
(g) No visa or other documentation shall be issued to an alien if (1) it appears to the consular officer, from statements in the application, or in the papers submitted therewith, that such alien is ineligible to receive a visa or such other documentation under section 212, or any other provision of law, (2) the application fails to comply with the provisions of this Act, or the regulations issued thereunder, or (3) the consular officer knows or has reason to believe that such alien is ineligible to receive a visa or such other documentation under section 212, or any other provision of law: Provided, That a visa or other documentation may be issued to an alien who is within the purview of section 212 (a) (4), if such alien is otherwise entitled to receive a visa or other documentation, upon receipt of notice by the consular officer from the Attorney General of the giving of a bond or undertaking providing indemnity as in the case of aliens admitted under section 213: Provided further, That a visa may be issued to an alien defined in section 101 (a) (15) (B) or (F), if such alien is otherwise entitled to receive a visa, upon receipt of a notice by the consular officer from the Attorney General of the giving of a bond with sufficient surety in such sum and containing such conditions as the consular officer shall prescribe, to insure that at the expiration of the time for which such alien has been admitted by the Attorney General, as provided in section 214 (a), or upon failure to maintain the status under which he was admitted, or to maintain any status subsequently acquired under section 248 of the Act, such alien will depart from the United States.
What is required to apply for a waiver of a spouse?
citizen or lawful permanent resident, you must submit evidence establishing the family relationship and evidence that shows the denial of admission would result in extreme hardship to your qualifying relative.
How to receive a letter from USCIS that I-601 has been accepted?
E-Notification: If you want to receive an e-mail and/or text message that your Form I-601 has been accepted at a USCIS lockbox facility, complete Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance and clip it to the first page of your application.
When is the I-944 response due?
If you received a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) requesting information that is solely required by the Public Charge Final Rule, including but not limited to Form I-944, and your response is due on or after March 9, 2021, you do not need to provide the information solely required by the Public Charge Final Rule. However, you need to respond to the aspects of the RFE or NOID that otherwise pertain to the eligibility for the immigration benefit you are seeking. If USCIS requires additional information or evidence to make a public charge inadmissibility determination under the statute and consistent with the 1999 Interim Field Guidance, we will send you another RFE or NOID. For information about the relevant court decisions, please see the litigation summary.
When will USCIS stop extending nonimmigrant status?
On or after March 9, 2021, applicants and petitioners should not provide information required solely by the Public Charge Final Rule.
When will USCIS accept 2021 forms?
USCIS published new form editions for affected forms. Starting April 19, 2021, we will only accept the 03/10/21 editions. Until then, you can also use the prior editions specified on each form webpage. If you are inadmissible to the United States and are seeking an immigrant visa, adjustment of status, certain nonimmigrant statuses, ...
Is 212A required at the time of admission?
An alien for whom a determination of their likelihood of becoming a public charge under section 212 (a) (4) is not required at the time of their application for admission or adjustment of status.
Can I submit a checklist with an I-601.?
Please do not submit this checklist with your Form I-601. It is an optional tool to use as you prepare your form, but does not replace statutory, regulatory, and form instruction requirements. We recommend that you review these requirements before completing and submitting your forms. Do not send original documents unless specifically requested in the form instructions or applicable regulations.
When did Chile become a member of the Visa Waiver Program?
On February 28, 2014, Chile was designated as a member of the Visa Waiver Program. Beginning March 31, 2014, Chilean nationals may travel to the United States under the program.
How far in advance do you need to apply for a nonimmigrant visa?
If you are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program partner but have received notice that you are no longer eligible to travel to the United States under that program, you should apply for a nonimmigrant visa at least three months in advance of your desired travel.
How long can you travel without a visa?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows nationals of designated member participants to travel to the United States for tourism or business (B visa category) purposes for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa.
How much is the ESTA fee?
The ESTA application fee is $14 per application. Third-party companies who are charging a fee to assist travelers in registering under ESTA are NOT operating on behalf of the U.S. government. This Electronic Travel Authorization is valid for 2 years.
What happens if you violate your work visa?
If you violate the terms of your work visa, it could be revoked. You could be deported, arrested, or denied re-entry into the U.S.
What determines the type of student visa you need?
Your course of study, the school you plan to attend, or the exchange program you will be with will determine the type of student visa you will need.
What is an F-1 visa?
F-1 visa classification is for a full-time international student pursuing academic studies.
What is transit C visa?
Transit C visa classification is for foreign nationals traveling through the U.S. to another country and stopping briefly in the U.S. as part of their travel to the next foreign destination.
Do you need an authorization to travel under VWP?
If you plan to visit the U.S. under the VWP, you must get an approved travel authorization prior to your trip. Authorization approvals are determined using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) .
Can an international student apply for a student visa?
An international student can apply for a student or exchange visitor visa only after being accepted by a school certified in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Students’ records are kept in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Learn more about SEVP and SEVIS, and about the SEVIS fee.
