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Blog on ESTA visa waiver news and updates

Israel not yet in compliance to join the Visa Waiver Program

Updated: Feb 02, 2023 | Tags: Visa Waiver Program, ESTA Eligibility

Israel has long sought entry into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which would allow its citizens to travel to the United States for business or tourism for up to 90 days without a visa by using an ESTA. Israel was thought to be in compliance to join the VWP. However, last week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has said Israel has failed to come into compliance with a few of the necessary…

U.S. Work Visa News October 2022

Updated: Oct 18, 2022 | Tags: Work Visas, USA Immigration

On October 12, 2022, the DHS (U.S. Department of Homeland Security) said in an announcement that, after consulting with the DOL (U.S. Department of Labor), it plans to issue a regulation that will add another 64,716 H-2B non-agricultural worker visas to the usual number of 66,000 that are normally issued during a fiscal year. Why is DHS wanting to process more work visa requests? By making such a…

What is Automated Passport Control (APC)?

Updated: Oct 10, 2022 | Tags: APC, Airport Security, ESTA Eligibility

In their ongoing efforts to better manage the increasing numbers of travelers at U.S. airports, CBP and airport authorities collaborated a few years ago to launch the APC (Automated Passport Control) program. This innovative technology aims to expedite the traveler inspection process by providing Automated Passport Control (APC) self-service kiosks where passengers can submit their biographic information…

What is the SENTRI program?

Updated: Sep 01, 2022 | Tags: SENTRI, ESTA Experience

SENTRI, or if one prefers the full name, The Secure Electronic Network for Travelers’ Rapid Inspection, is a U.S. program run by the CBP (Customs and Border Protection). The main objective of this program is to facilitate rapid clearance upon their arrival in the U.S. for low-risk travelers who have already been pre-approved. The program allows participants to enter the country at southern land border…

What is the Global Entry Program?

Updated: Aug 01, 2022 | Tags: ESTA Experience, Global Entry

The Global Entry Program has been created by the CBP (the US Customs and Border Protection and permits pre-approved travelers expedited clearance on their arrival in the USA. Members of the program enter the USA via automated kiosks at specified airports. At the airport, members of the Global Entry program proceed to the automatic kiosks, where they must present a machine-readable passport or US green…

NEXUS for U.S. Travel

Updated: Nov 12, 2022 | Tags: NEXUS, ESTA Experience

This article provides information to readers on what NEXUS is, its many benefits, and how to apply for the program. NEXUS can be used by visitors arriving in the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. An application for an ESTA or U.S. visa can be submitted before or after applying for NEXUS as the processes are independent from one another. Using NEXUS with an approved ESTA can expedite a traveler's…

CBP proposes additional data and image capturing on ESTA application forms

Updated: May 31, 2022 | Tags: ESTA Application, ESTA Requirements, ESTA Form

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has proposed a number of changes to enhancing the security screening procedures of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which is used for issuing travel authorizations for eligible visitors of the Visa Waiver Program. How does CBP typically propose changes for the ESTA? Typically, when CBP wishes to fund enhancements for their technology,…

Travelers entering the U.S. by land will soon need an ESTA

Updated: Apr 11, 2022 | Tags: ESTA Application Pending, Border Security, ESTA Requirements

On April 7th 2022, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) revised the requirements for Visa Waiver Program (VWP) travelers entering the United States by land. When will ESTA be required for Visa Waiver Program travelers entering by land? Starting October 1st 2022, all travelers entering the United States by air, sea and now land, will need to be in possession of an approved ESTA prior to be allowing…

U.S. Simplifies Employment Visa Applications

Updated: Apr 11, 2022 | Tags: ESTA Eligibility, USA Visa Application, USA Embassy Appointment

The U.S. Department of State recently announced that all American consulates have now been authorized to forgo the in-person interviews that were normally required, provided the employment visa applicant meets a number of specific criteria. The amended rule applies to applications for temporary employment visas in the following categories: Q, P, O, L, H-4, H-3, and H-1. The revised regulations aim…

Israel looking towards admission to the Visa Waiver Program by 2023

Updated: Feb 28, 2022 | Tags: ESTA Eligibility, ESTA Requirements, ESTA Passport

On a recent visit to Washington D.C., Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett was optimistic his country may soon me added to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The Israeli Prime Minister was meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding Israel’s admission into the program. The two leaders were in agreement over the intent to admin Israel into the program. What is the Visa Waiver Program? The…