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Restrictions on Chinese Students entering the U.S. and Revisions to Green Card Legislation

Updated: Jun 02, 2020 | Tags: USA Visa Restrictions, COVID-19, Green Card

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. The…

Applying for an ESTA if you have recently changed names or gotten married

Updated: Aug 25, 2023 | Tags: Post-Dated Passport, ESTA Eligibility, ESTA Passport

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 avoid common…

United States COVID-19 border controls set to be extended indefinitely

Updated: May 19, 2020 | Tags: COVID-19, Border Security, USA Immigration

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…

Potential Improvements for the ESTA

Updated: Jan 21, 2024 | Tags: ESTA Improvements, ESTA Application, ESTA Processing

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 in 2019. There are also some changes have not…

Data accuracy considerations when applying for an ESTA

Updated: Jan 21, 2024 | Tags: Mistake on ESTA, ESTA Application

Travelers are gaining more awareness regarding online data collection practices of airlines, hotels, governments and other entities involved in providing travel related services. Many travelers now book hotels and other services using pseudo-names, aliases and other intentionally inaccurate data to gain a greater sense of privacy over their own personal information. However, when it comes to U.S. travel…

USCIS visa extensions and COVID-19 impacts on H1-B visa holders

Updated: Apr 23, 2020 | Tags: USA Visa Restrictions, USA Immigration, H1B US Visa, COVID-19

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to affect international travel, it's essential to keep informed about the latest changes to US ESTA, visa and immigration rules. As well as travel from many countries being restricted or suspended, the US has closed its borders with Canada and Mexico to all but essential travel. The economic impact of the coronavirus lockdown is also having a severe impact on many…

How coronavirus is impacting US Immigration

Updated: Apr 23, 2020 | Tags: USA Immigration, Border Security, COVID-19

Introduction With the coronavirus pandemic affecting many countries, it’s more essential than ever to keep an eye on the latest developments regarding USA immigration rules, visas, and ESTA. In an update on March 30, USCIS announced that because of the temporary closure of Application Support Centers, biometrics previously submitted will be reused to validate the application for employment authorization,…

Passport eligibility questions and answers on the ESTA application

Updated: Aug 25, 2023 | Tags: ESTA Eligibility, ESTA Passport, ESTA Requirements

Introduction If you are a citizen of a country that is part of the Visa Waiver Program, you are eligible to apply for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization or ESTA online. Whether you are visiting in transit or for business or leisure, a vacation, completing the ESTA application online avoids the need to apply for a visa as long as your visit is for less than 90 days. The ESTA form should…

Travel Restrictions from Europe to the United States

Updated: Jun 07, 2023 | Tags: ESTA Requirements, Travel Restrictions, Border Security, COVID-19

COVID-19 Travel Restrictions have been lifted Effective from 12:01 am Eastern Daylight Time on May 12, 2023, foreign individuals traveling on nonimmigrant visas or ESTA are no longer required to demonstrate that they have received a full course of an approved COVID-19 vaccine before boarding an aircraft bound for the United States. To provide some historical context, initial COVID-19 testing rules…

How will the social media information on my ESTA application be used by CBP?

Updated: Aug 25, 2023 | Tags: ESTA Data Privacy, ESTA Form

Introduction There are several questions on the ESTA application form that are optional. One of these questions is regarding social media account information. This question provides Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with a point of reference when checking applicant information matches an alternative source to those available to CBP. How does CBP use Social Media Information on an ESTA…