Australian citizen in US for internship - Visa requirements? would ESTA be okay?

I've been offered an amazing internship for the duration of two months for a NFP in America, but they want me to start in two weeks. Applying for a J1 visa obviously takes longer than that (4-6 weeks according to the embassy).

I am an Australian citizen.

Would the Visa Waiver ESTA be acceptable in this situation?

Best Answer

No, the Visa Waiver Program is not suitable for this purpose.

The rules on permitted activities for the VWP are the same as those for a B1/B2 visa.

This flyer produced by the CBP clearly states that an Internship requires a J or H3 visa.

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Can I do an internship on an ESTA?

You may be denied entry at the border if you attempt to enter the U.S. on ESTA in order to do an internship. Aside from being a legal requirement, there are several other advantages to applying for the J-1 Intern/Trainee Visa with a visa sponsor like InterExchange.

What visa do you need for US internship?

Please review the process for obtaining your USA J-1 Visa. Your Certificate for Eligibility for Exchange Visitors (J1) Status (DS-2019 form) must be received through a designated J-1 sponsoring agency. Your employer is the host, not the sponsor.

Does Australian citizens need work visa for USA?

Most Australians who work in the United States are on E-3 visas. The E-3 Australian Specialty Occupation visa is only available for Australian citizens and must be for a position that the US Department of Labor determines is a role that would typically require a bachelor's degree or the equivalent in work experience.

Can I enter US with ESTA Covid?

Since 8 November, you may once again travel to the USA with an ESTA for a holiday, business trip or transit. The travel ban that was issued in early 2020 because of the coronavirus has been lifted, and the UK government no longer advises against travel to the USA.

E3 Working Visa for Australian Citizens: Live and Work in the United States

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

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