Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Overview

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries* to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Travelers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel and meet all requirements explained below. If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor (B) visa.

Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015

Under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015, travelers in the following categories must obtain a visa prior to traveling to the United States as they are no longer eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP):

• Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011 (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country).
• Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021 (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country).
• Nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.

Requirements for Using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

Travel Purpose Must be Permitted on a Visitor (B) Visa

Examples of permitted activities while in the U.S. on the VWP:

Business:

• consult with business associates
• attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
• attend short-term training (you may not be paid by any source in the United States with the exception of expenses incidental to your stay)
• negotiate a contract

Learn more about Business Travel to the United States

Tourism:

• tourism
• vacation (holiday)
• visit with friends or relatives
• medical treatment
• participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
• participation by amateurs in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid
• enrollment in a short recreational course of study (example: two-day cooking class)

Learn more about Visitor Visas - Business and Pleasure

Travel Purposes Not Permitted on Visa Waiver Program – Examples:

• study, for credit
• employment
• work as foreign press, radio, film, journalists, or other information media
• permanent residence in the United States

Must Be a Citizen or National of a VWP Designated Country*

Reference

• * Taiwan included per Taiwan Relations Act of 1979.
• ** British citizens must have the unrestricted right of permanent abode.

Each Traveler Must Have a Valid ESTA

Travelers must have valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to boarding a U.S.-bound air or sea carrier. ESTA determines eligibility to travel under the VWP. Visit: ESTA on the CBP website

Updating Your ESTA

Frequently Asked Questions: CBP FAQ

Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015

Individuals in restricted categories must apply for a visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Emergencies may qualify for expedited appointments. More information available on embassy websites.

If exempt due to diplomatic or military service and ESTA is denied, visit the CBP website or contact the CBP Information Center. Alternatively, apply for a nonimmigrant visa.

Travelers are strongly recommended to check their ESTA status before making travel reservations. More information available on the DHS website.

Have the Correct Type of Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure from the U.S. Each family member must have their own passport.

You must have an e-passport with an electronic chip compliant with ICAO standards.

Emergency and Temporary Passports

Emergency or temporary passports used to enter the U.S. under the VWP must be e-passports, including for transit.

More Information

• DHS Visa Waiver Program Requirements
• CBP Visa Waiver Program
• CBP ESTA

Visitor Visas — B-1 / B-2 (Visitor)

Overview

Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons traveling temporarily to the United States for business (B-1), for tourism/medical treatment/pleasure (B-2), or for a combination of these purposes (B-1/B-2). A visitor visa does not by itself authorize employment or long-term residence; it allows a person to travel to a U.S. port of entry to request admission for a temporary stay.

Sources: U.S. Department of State — Visitor / Tourism pages.

Activities Permitted (examples)

• Business (B-1): consult with business associates; attend meetings, conferences, negotiate contracts; settle an estate; short-term training that is not credit-bearing at an academic institution.
• Tourism (B-2): vacation; visit friends/relatives; medical treatment; participate in social events hosted by fraternal or service organizations; amateur participation in musical or sports events when not paid; short recreational courses not for credit.

Activities Not Permitted

• Study (beyond short non-credit recreational courses)
• Employment or any work that would receive U.S. wages
• Professional performances before a paying audience (requires work visa)
• Arrival as crewmember on ship/aircraft (use D or C-1/D)
• Long-term residence or immigrating (use immigrant visa categories)
• Birth tourism for the sole purpose of obtaining citizenship for the child is not permitted

How to Apply

1. Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) and print the confirmation page. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
2. Pay the non-refundable visa application fee (amounts and procedures vary by country/consulate).
3. Schedule and attend a consular interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate (interviews generally required; exceptions exist by age/visa type/location).
4. Bring required supporting documents to the interview and follow consulate instructions for biometrics/photo upload if not already completed during DS-160.

Common Required Documents

• Passport valid for travel (usually at least six months beyond intended stay unless exempt)
• DS-160 confirmation page
• Visa application fee receipt (if required before interview)
• Photo — uploaded with DS-160 or printed per photo requirements
• Evidence of purpose of trip (invitations, conference registrations, medical appointment proofs)
• Evidence of intent to depart (ties to home country — employment, family, property)
• Evidence of ability to pay for the trip or that a sponsor will cover costs

Interview & Biometrics

Consular officer interviews determine eligibility. Ink-free digital fingerprint scans are typically taken as part of the application/at interview. Consular officers may request additional documents or administrative processing.

After Approval

If approved, visa issuance may require a visa issuance fee (reciprocity) depending on nationality. The passport with visa is returned per the consulate’s shipping/collection procedure.

Entering the United States

A visa allows travel to a U.S. port of entry and request admission; it does not guarantee entry. CBP officers make the final admission determination and will issue admission stamp or provide Form I-94. Travelers must comply with CBP/USCIS entry rules and restrictions (including agricultural/food rules).

Extending Stay / Change of Status

Requests to extend stay or change status while in the U.S. are made to USCIS (e.g., Form I-539 for extensions/changes); the visitor must meet statutory requirements and have maintained status. Overstays can void visas and jeopardize future eligibility.

Transit and Crewmember Visas — C, D, C-1/D

Overview

Transit visas (C) are for travelers passing through the United States en route to another country. Crewmember visas (D) are for crew members serving aboard vessels or aircraft in the U.S. Trade or employment onboard requires the D visa. A combined C-1/D is used by crewmembers transiting and working.

How to Apply

• Complete DS-160 (or consulate-specified form)
• Pay visa fee and schedule consular appointment
• Attend interview with documents showing itinerary, employment by carrier, and intent to depart

Documents

• Valid passport
• Proof of employment with airline/ship
• Itinerary / contract of employment

Entry & Duration

Admission durations vary; CBP determines length of stay on entry. Crewmembers admitted on D visas are authorized to work for the carrier named on their visa.

Diplomatic / Official Visas — A and G Categories

Overview

A visas are for diplomats and foreign government officials (A-1, A-2, A-3) traveling on official business. G visas (G-1 to G-5) are for representatives to international organizations and their staff/families. Separate issuance rules and privileges apply.

How to Apply

Application and processing are coordinated through the relevant mission or organization; specific documentation for diplomatic status and official credentials is required.

Treaty Trader and Investor Visas — E-1, E-2, E-3

Overview

E-1 for treaty traders, E-2 for treaty investors, and E-3 for Australian specialty-occupation professionals. Eligibility depends on qualifying treaty, substantial trade or investment, and nationality where applicable.

How to Apply & Documents

• Complete DS-160
• Provide documentation demonstrating qualifying trade/investment, business plans, ownership and nationality requirements

Temporary Worker & Employment Visas

Overview

Temporary employment visas cover a range of categories (H-1B specialty occupations; H-2A agricultural; H-2B non-agricultural temporary workers; L-1 intra-company transferees; O-1 extraordinary ability; P categories for performers/athletes; Q cultural exchange; R-1 religious workers; CW-1 for CNMI transitional workers). Employers and petitioners often file petitions with USCIS before visa application at a consulate. Rights and protections information is provided for H-1B, H-2A, and H-2B applicants.

General Steps

1. Employer/petitioner files required petition with USCIS (Form I-129 or other petition types) when required.
2. After USCIS approval, applicant completes DS-160 and schedules consular interview.
3. Provide contract, petition approval notice (I-797), evidence of qualifications, credentials, and any labor certifications when applicable.

Worker Rights & Protections

Certain temporary worker categories must be provided information on legal rights and protections; applicants are encouraged to review official pamphlets and report violations.

Student Visas — F and M

Overview

F-1 visas are for academic students attending universities, colleges, secondary schools, language training programs, and other academic institutions. M-1 visas are for vocational or non-academic programs. Students cannot enter on a visitor visa or the Visa Waiver Program to attend courses that require an F or M visa (except certain short recreational courses).

How to Apply

1. Be accepted by a SEVP-certified school and obtain Form I-20 from the school.
2. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and obtain SEVIS confirmation.
3. Complete DS-160 and schedule a consular interview; bring Form I-20, SEVIS receipt, passport, financial evidence, and school acceptance documents.

Restrictions & Work

• On-campus employment may be permitted under specific rules; off-campus work requires USCIS authorization or specific program eligibility (CPT/OPT for F-1).
• Public school primary/elementary attendance has limitations for F visas; check official guidance.

Exchange Visitor Visas — J-1

Overview

J-1 visas are for participants in exchange programs that promote cultural and educational exchange (students, scholars, trainees, teachers, researchers, specialists, au pairs, etc.). Sponsors issue Form DS-2019 to accepted participants.

How to Apply

1. Be accepted by a designated J-1 program sponsor and receive Form DS-2019.
2. Pay SEVIS fee when required (for some categories); complete DS-160 and schedule an interview; bring DS-2019, proof of ties, and sponsor documents.

Two-Year Home Residency Requirement

Some J-1 categories are subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement (212(e)). A waiver may be possible via Form DS-3035 under specified grounds.

Media Visas — I

Overview

The I visa is for representatives of the foreign media, including members of the press, film and radio crews, or similar occupations traveling to the U.S. to engage in their profession.

Humanitarian & Special Nonimmigrant Visas

U Visa

U visas are for victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.

T Visa

T visas are for victims of human trafficking who assist or are willing to assist law enforcement; they provide certain protections and immigration relief.

V Visa

V visas provide limited immigration benefits to spouses and children of lawful permanent residents who are waiting for immigrant visa availability (as legislated).

Immigrant Visas — Family-Based

Overview

Family-based immigrant visas permit U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor qualifying relatives for permanent residence. Categories include Immediate Relative (IR) visas for close relatives of U.S. citizens and Family Preference (F1-F4) for certain other family relationships; numerical limits apply to preference categories.

Common Categories

• IR-1 / CR-1 — Spouse of a U.S. citizen (immigrant visa)
• IR-2 / CR-2 — Unmarried child under 21 of U.S. citizen
• IR-5 — Parent of a U.S. citizen 21 or older
• F1 / F2A / F2B / F3 / F4 — Family preference categories (adult children, siblings, spouses/children of LPRs, etc.)

How to Start the Process

1. U.S. petitioner files Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with USCIS for the intending immigrant.
2. Once the petition is approved and a visa number is available (if required), the National Visa Center (NVC) processes fees and document collection before consular interview scheduling.
3. Attend consular interview and complete medical exam and affidavit of support requirements.

K Visas — Fiancé(e) (K-1) and Spouse (K-3)

K-1 Fiancé(e) Overview

K-1 is a nonimmigrant visa for the foreign-citizen fiancé(e) of a U.S. citizen to enter the U.S. to marry the petitioner within 90 days; after marriage, the foreign spouse applies for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident.

How to Apply (K-1)

1. U.S. citizen files Form I-129F with USCIS.
2. After approval, consular processing includes DS-160, medical exam, interview, and civil documents.

K-3 Overview

K-3 allows a foreign spouse of a U.S. citizen to enter the U.S. while awaiting immigrant visa petition adjudication; specifics depend on petition timing and consular procedures.

Intercountry Adoption Visas

Overview

IR-3/IR-4 and IH-3/IH-4 visas are issued for children adopted abroad or coming to the United States for adoption under the Hague or non-Hague processes. Procedures include USCIS approval (Form I-600 or I-800 series), dossier processing, and consular interview.

Employment-Based Immigrant Visas (EB-1 through EB-5)

Overview

Employment-based immigrant visas are divided into five preference categories (EB-1 priority workers; EB-2 advanced degrees/exceptional ability; EB-3 skilled/professional/other workers; EB-4 special immigrants; EB-5 investor category). Annual numerical limits apply and many petitions begin with employer sponsorship and labor certifications where required.

Process (general)

1. Employer or applicant files required petition (I-140 or other) with USCIS; labor certification (PERM) may be required for some categories.
2. After petition approval and visa number availability, consular processing or adjustment of status is completed to obtain immigrant visa / green card.

Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program

Overview

The DV Program (Green Card Lottery) provides immigrant visas to persons from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States; entrants who win must meet education or work experience requirements and complete consular processing.

Special Immigrants & Other Categories

Overview

This covers multiple special categories: religious workers, certain international organization employees, Afghan/Iraqi translators/interpreters who assisted the U.S. government, and other statute-based groups. Procedures and qualifying documents vary by specific category.

Official Sources & Forms

• U.S. Visas — Overview (U.S. Department of State)
• Visitor Visa — B-1 / B-2
• DS-160 — Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
• Temporary Worker Visas (H, L, O, P, Q, R)
• Family Immigration — Immigrant Visa Categories
• Employment-Based Immigrant Visas (EB)