Saturday, January 23, 2010, 6:18 pm
USCIS Begins ESTA Enforcement
January 23rd, 2010 | Category: Articles, Visa Waiver
About the Electronic System for Travel Authorization
ESTA is an electronic travel authorization that all citizens of VWP countries must obtain prior to boarding a carrier to travel by air or sea to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (WVP). ESTA has been mandatory since Jan. 12, 2009 for all nationals of VWP countries traveling to the U.S under the VWP. The requirement does not affect U.S. citizens returning from overseas or citizens of VWP countries traveling on a valid U.S. visa.
ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, and once approved, generally will be valid for up to two years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first. Authorizations are valid for multiple entries into the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that ESTA applications be submitted as soon as an applicant begins making travel plans.
VWP travelers are required to log onto the ESTA Web site and complete an online application. The web-based system prompts applicants to answer basic biographic and eligibility questions typically requested on a paper I-94W form; ESTA is expected to completely replace the paper I-94W in the coming months. A third party, such as a relative, a friend, or a travel agent, may submit an application on behalf of a VWP traveler.
ESTA Registration Mandatory – New Enforcement Campaign
We have written in the past about the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which became mandatory more than one year ago, on January 12, 2009, for all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers into the U.S.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently announced a 60-day campaign to enforce ESTA registration. Pursuant to this campaign, DHS will use its authority to deny entry to all VWP travelers to U.S. who have not registered with ESTA. Beginning January 20, CBP will initiate a 60-day transition to enforce ESTA compliance for air carriers; VWP travelers without an approved ESTA may not be allowed to board a U.S.-bound plane.
2010 H-1B Quota
Related Articles
Archives
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
- December 2008
- November 2008
- October 2008
- September 2008
- August 2008
- July 2008
- June 2008
- May 2008
- April 2008
- March 2008
- February 2008
- January 2008
Free Initial Consultation
Client Testimonials
Thanks a lot for your services as attorney at law in my H-1B [application]. I am very pleased with the courtesy and professionalism you handled this case in every step from beginning until now. Rest assured I will contact you again if we need attorney services in the future, and, of course, we will refer you to our friends with our highest recommendations. Thank you again for your extremely efficient professional services.
» More client testimonials...
Tools
Check Your USCIS Case Status
Weekly Newsletter
Subscribe Now | Read Past Issues
Client Extranet
Client Login | About

