Mar
11
Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram - Have you heard of ESTA “Electronic System for Travel Authorization”?
Filed Under Immigration News
Since January 12th 2009, all travellers on the visa waiver program have been required to obtain prior authorization through ESTA before traveling to the USA.
Washington – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced today the Interim Final Rule for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a new online system that is part of the Visa Waiver Program and is required by the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007.
“Rather than relying on paper-based procedures, this system will leverage 21st century electronic means to obtain basic information about who is traveling to the U.S. without a visa,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. “Getting this information in advance enables our front-line personnel to determine whether a visa-free traveler presents a threat, before boarding an aircraft or arriving on our shores. It is a relatively simple and effective way to strengthen our security, and that of international travelers, while helping to preserve an important program for key allies.”
Once ESTA is mandatory, all nationals or citizens of visa waiver countries who plan to travel to the United States for temporary business or pleasure under the VWP will need to receive an electronic travel authorization prior to boarding a U.S.-bound airplane or cruise ship.Currently, citizens of VWP countries complete a written I-94W form providing basic biographical, travel, and eligibility information while en-route to the U.S. With ESTA, VWP travelers will provide this information online prior to departure for the U.S.
ESTA will determine, almost immediately in many cases, if an individual is eligible for VWP travel, and if such travel poses any law enforcement or security risks. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, and once approved, will be valid for up to two years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first. Authorizations will also be valid for multiple entries into the U.S. To facilitate the authorization process, DHS recommends that ESTA applications be submitted as soon as an applicant begins planning U.S.-bound travel, and not less than 72 hours prior to travel.
Accompanied and unaccompanied children, regardless of age, will be required to obtain an independent ESTA authorization and determination of eligibility. VWP travelers who fail to obtain an ESTA travel authorization after ESTA becomes mandatory may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing, or be denied admission at a U.S. port of entry.An ESTA approval is not a visa, since: 1) final admissibility into the United States is still determined by a CBP officer at a U.S. port of entry; 2) its screening threshold does not rise to the level of a visa issued by the Department of State; and 3) the information provided online is currently already required from participating VWP travelers on board aircraft or ship and provided through the I-94W paper form. Therefore, still no visa is officially needed, but a pre-authorization is now required to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.
If the thought of having to complete this on-line waiver scares you or you have other questions in relation to any visa application, let us be the one’s to give you a helping hand through the “Immigration maze“. Immigration is not fun and in some cases, it almost seems like they don’t want outsiders moving into their country. That’s not necessarily true but after 9/11 can you blame them for using a little more caution? Everyday we help dreams come true - We are the Immigration equivalent to that very famous theme park - If you don’t believe us then read some of the true stories written by normal folk like you. Investment visa’s, Student visa’s, Marriage visa’s and visa’s set aside for people with extraordinary ability -The O1 visa’s - these are the visa’s that dreams are made of -The American Dream and we can help you achieve yours. Call us today 001-661 254 8064 or complete our short questionnaire and let us know how we can help you!
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Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram
Chris M. Ingram - Admitted in New York
Practice limited to US Immigration
Suite 300, 23822 Valencia Blvd, Valencia, CA 91355
Tel. 661 254 8064
Summary of Services: Everyday the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram provides a comprehensive range of US Immigration expertise. We provide a free consultation for our prospective clients. We can handle the following range of visas and immigration cases: B1/B2, E2, EB1, EB5, F1, H1B, H4, J1, J2, K1, K3, L1, L2, M1, O1, O2, O3, P1, P2, P3, R1, Labor Certification, Labor Condition, PERM, Adjustment of Status, ESTA, US Embassy and Consular Processing and various other types of family and business Immigration. If you would like any assistance at any time please do not hesitate to call this Law Office.
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