ESTA Resources

New visa restrictions make it harder for pregnant women to enter the United States The Trump Administration has been critical of foreign nationals traveling to the United States during pregnancy to gain “birth right citizenship” for their child. According to figures from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 10,000 babies were born in the United States to foreign nationals…

In its attempts to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Trump administration has made numerous changes to its immigration and visa policy. Following recent changes to visa regulations for international students taking courses this fall that are now available only online, the SEVP (the Student and Exchange Visitor Program) has issued new guidelines. The Trump administration had previously banned…

As the COVID-19 pandemic was sweeping the world, President Trump signed proclamations 10014 and 10052 in June this year. These changes to immigration law temporarily suspended the right of entry to the US for both immigrants and non-immigrants. They were implemented because immigrant workers are seen as a risk to the recovery of the US labor market. The suspension applies specifically to…

APIS is the Advance Passenger Information System, a pre-departure requirement allowing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to review passenger’s information. Passenger data undergoes security checks before they are allowed to board their flights entering or leaving the U.S. APIS is also used for commercial shipping or sailing to or from the U.S. APIS, together with Passenger Name Record…

SEVP, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, has announced changes to the temporary exemptions for foreign students in the US who may be taking classes online during the fall semester. DHS (the Department of Homeland Security) is planning to publish the modifications as a Temporary Final Rule. Non-immigrant students have been able to pursue academic coursework with an F-1 visa while students…

In the latest attempt to reduce immigration to the United States, the Trump Administration has signed an executive order implementing further restrictions on temporary employment-based visas, including H1-B visas. With US unemployment figures rising significantly because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the latest restrictions are part of the Trump administration’s ongoing attempt to force US companies…

On June 1st, 2020, a ban went into effect on select categories of Chinese students from entering the United States. However, the ban does not apply to undergraduate students from China. President Trump’s proclamation bars Chinese postgraduate students and doctoral researchers associated with organizations supporting the Chinese MCF (military-civil fusion) strategy from entering the United States.…

Introduction Newly-wed travelers who plan on visiting the United States using an ESTA should be aware how changing names or getting married can affect how they complete their application, specifically if a traveler has changed their name or is awaiting a new passport. The following article provides information on applying for ESTA online with a post-dated passport and will help applicants…

The Trump Administration has indicated it is planning to extend new US border controls related to COVID-19 for an indefinite period. Critics have accused the president of using the coronavirus pandemic as an excuse to tighten US immigration laws further and it is believed that he now intends to extend a ban on migrants until the health officials deem the public health crisis to be over. White House…

The ESTA has been around for over a decade. During this period, the system has undergone a number of changes which have enhanced its security, usability and accessibility. Notably, there have been recent changes to the layout of the form. For example, it underwent a redesign to a be mobile responsive website, with additional security related questions. However, some changes have not been…