Training for 3 month and attending conference is elegible under VWP?

Training for 3 month and attending conference is elegible under VWP? - Selective Focus Photography of Two Women's White and Black Tops

Im an Italian citizen. I will have to spend 3 month (90 days) in a illustration studio based in washington. I will follow the work and gain some practical experience, working with computers programs.

I will not be paid by any US source for this training and i will also attend a conference in Philadelphia.

Can this situation be considered into the criteria of elegibility found for VWP

"attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference. attend short-term training (you may not be paid by any source in the United States with the exception of expenses incidental to your stay)"

??

Will I be safe, if asked from an officer, to say the truth?

Any help is welcome.



Best Answer

Yes to Training, No to Internships

As you correctly point out, the Visa Waiver Program governmental webpage states:

Business

[...]

  • attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
  • attend short-term training (you may not be paid by any source in the United States with the exception of expenses incidental to your stay)

You should therefore be allowed to attend a conference in the USA on the Visa Waiver Program. You should also be allowed to complete a training period with a company in the US, as long as you receive no money from that company aside from reimbursements for living expenses.

More importantly however, a distinction is to be made on whether the training is considered an internship or not. The idea behind this being that internships can lead to a potential job offer, hence carrying out an internship in the US would effectively be considered job-seeking. This is specified in the Business Visa Travel to the United States leaflet which can be found on the aforementioned governmental website:

Training

Participating in a training program that is not designed primarily to provide employment. Will receive no payment or income from a U.S. based company/entity, other than an expense allowance or expense reimbursement related to traveler’s stay.




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Who is eligible for VWP?

Visa Waiver Program EligibilityYou are a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country. You do not have a Visitor Visa. You are planning to stay in the United States for 90 days or less. You are traveling to the United States for business or tourism purposes.

How long is VWP valid for?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business (visitor visa purposes) for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

What is a 90 day visa waiver?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP), administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the State Department, permits citizens of 40 countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa.

How many times can I use the Visa Waiver Program?

There is no limit on the number of times you may enter the U.S. under either ESTA of a visa.



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