Tocci, Goss & Lee is a Human Resource law firm providing a full array of services to regional, national, and international concerns in both immigration and employment law. Our employment group counsels and represents employers in all aspects of compliance and litigation. Our immigration law practice assists America’s best businesses recruit and retain the most talented foreign professionals and skilled workers. The immigration group also represents families seeking to immigrate to the United States.
| 21 November 2008 |
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Required Use of ESTA for Visa Waiver Program travelers The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced that, beginning January 12, 2009, all nonimmigrant aliens traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must now obtain an approved Travel Authorization from the Department's Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). To obtain ESTA authorization before traveling to the United States, you must provide certain information electronically on the ESTA website (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov). Please note, as of November 21, 2008, this website was not yet functional. Instructions for obtaining ESTA authorization: VWP travelers should log onto the ESTA website and complete an on-line application (currently only available in English). DHS recommends that applications be submitted no less than 72 hours prior to travel. DHS notes that in most cases the applicant will receive a response within seconds. You will receive one of three responses: 1. Authorization Approved: You have travel authorization (unless revoked) which may be valid for up to two years and is valid for multiple entries. 2. Travel Not Authorized: You must then obtain a non-immigrant visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate before traveling to the U.S. 3. Authorization Pending: You will need to check the ESTA website for an update within 72 hours to receive a final response. The VWP allows eligible Citizens and certain nationals of participating VWP countries to apply for admission to the United States at a U.S. port of entry for a period of 90 days or less for business or pleasure without obtaining a non-immigrant visa. The countries which are currently eligible to participate in the VWP are: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Korea, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Slovak Republic and the United Kingdom. If you believe you qualify for travel under the VWP, for information on how to apply for travel authorization under ESTA, please visit the following Web site: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/esta/ |
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