USA Green Card Immigration Blog

The US government is charging a fee for ESTA applications from September 8, 2010 with the passage of the Travel Promotion Act (TPA) which was signed into law on March 4, 2010 by President Obama. As per the act everyone entering the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) has to apply under ESTA.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that the total fee for ESTA applications would be $14.00 USD. The new fee is proposed to be used for the following purposes:v

• $4.00 USD to cover the Electronic System for Travel Authorization website’s administration costs
• $10 USD for Travel promotion under the Travel Promotions Act (TPA)

This fee will fund the Corporation for Travel Promotion, a newly created independent non-profit corporation that develops advertising campaigns to encourage tourism to the United States. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in coordination with the Department of Commerce has taken up the task of notifying foreign and domestic media, the travel industry, and all others who are likely to be affected by this change. The processing time taken by the Electronic System for Travel Authorization is up to 72 hours (3 days) and validity period is two years.

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is an automated system that is operated by U.S. Customs & Border Protection. The eligibility of visitors travelling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is determined through ESTA. Electronic System for Travel Authorization also decides whether such travel would cause any law enforcement or security risk.

For anyone who wants to visit the US for up to 90 days, the Visa Waiver Program is a straightforward option. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) along with the Corporation for Travel Promotion has taken measures to ensure that the potential visitors receive complete and latest information on the necessary travel documents and requirements for entry approval.

The USCIS has issued an advisory regarding the extension of authorized stay for foreign nationals. This advisory is for foreign nationals who are stranded in the U.S due to the recent closures of the European airports because of the Icelandic volcanic eruptions. The foreign nationals are permitted up to 30 days to depart if they have exceeded or about to exceed their authorized stay period.

For visitors who are travelling under the visa waiver program it is better to contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office if they are stranded at the airport. Otherwise the travelers must visit the local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office. In case you are travelling under a non immigrant visa contacting the local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office along with your passport, itinerary for the cancelled flight, and your I-94 departure record would be of assistance.

The candidates can avail this kind of benefit on the USCIS application, petition or immigration status if he/she has been affected by the uncontrollable circumstances like the natural catastrophes or other extreme situations. On their application to extend their stay or change the status with the USCIS due to a disaster, if the traveler shows how the disaster directly affected him/her then the request might be considered.

Working off-campus might be essential if a student has been affected by the disaster and is unable to self – support. The disaster might occur anywhere, either in the United States that prevents a student from working on campus or when in overseas that affects their financial position. The demonstration of such a situation along with the recommendation for an off-campus employment by the Designated School Official (DSO), might entitle them to receive an employment authorization when filing the Application for Employment Authorization (I-765). At the time of loss of the USICS – issued documents a concern may be raised and appropriate forms be submitted to replace the documents.

The Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection have reminded travellers to the U.S. who fall under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to complete the electronic travel authorization. This reminder has been issued with regards to one-year anniversary of the implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

The reminder stated that as of January 20, a 60-day transition will be enforced by CBP on ESTA compliance for air carriers. Boarding a U.S. bound plane might not be allowed for VWP travellers without an approved ESTA.

All citizens of the Visa Waiver Program countries are required to obtain electronic travel authorization, if they want to travel by air or water to the United States. All nationals of VWP countries travelling to U.S must have the electronic travel authorization mandatorily as of January 12, 2009. U.S. citizens returning from overseas and citizens of VWP countries travelling on a valid U.S. visa are not required to follow the ESTA reminder.

Citizens of Visa Waiver Program must submit ESTA applications any time prior to travel. The approved ESTA will be valid for two years or until the applicant’s passport expires or whichever comes first. This authorization can be used for multiple entries into the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security urges that the ESTA applications are best submitted as soon as the travel plans are made by the applicant.

The Visa Waiver Program travellers can complete an online application by logging onto the ESTA website. The online application is similar to a paper I-94W form. The applicant just has to answer basic biographic and eligibility questions. The paper I-94W form will be completely replaced by ESTA in the coming months. A VWP traveller can send a third party, such as a relative, a friend, or a travel agent if he cannot submit an application by himself.