Travelling to the US for independent research with VWP
I am planning to come to the US for a period of 5 weeks to conduct independent research as visiting scholar in a University. I will not receive any payment, and travel and accomodation expenditures will be covered by my home university (outside US). Is it sufficient the VWP or do I need another kind of visa? During the interview if the CBP ask me which kind of business I am going to undertake, is it sufficient to answer "independent research"? thanks a lot!
Best Answer
The Visa Waiver Program permits the same activities as a B visitor visa (B1 or B2).
The sort of short term independent research you propose is covered under B1 status and is explicitly listed as an example of a permitted activity by the US Embassy Japan (and likely many other places).
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Can I travel to the US with a waiver?
US Waivers enable a foreign national to travel to the United States with a criminal record that would otherwise render them ineligible to cross the border. A US Travel Waiver requires a person to get fingerprinted in order to obtain their Royal Canadian Mounted Police or RCMP criminal file via Form C-216C.Can I do research on ESTA?
An ESTA can be used for a variety of business activities such as attending job interviews, business-related research activities, consulting with business associates, travelling for a scientific, educational, professional or business convention or conference, negotiating a contract or settling the affairs of an estate.Can I do research on b1 visa?
A B-1 (Business Visitor) visa may be available for a variety of activities in the United States. Professors or researchers may generally use the B-1 visa to participate in a conference or seminar, to engage in usual academic activities such as lecturing, or to perform brief independent research.How do I get VWP for USA?
Fill out the (ESTA) online application. ESTA determines the eligibility of a visitor to travel to the U.S. under the VWP. The processing fee is $4.00, and if you are approved, there is an additional $10.00 authorization charge.About Visa Waiver Program | How to travel in US without a visa | Visa Waiver Program USA 2021 | DHS
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