VISA Waiving Program changes
Regarding the new changes to the VWP to travel to the U.S. Does anybody know if it is 5 years starting the effective date or anyone visited one of those countries afte March 1st 2011? In other word if an EU journalist visited Iraq April 2011, is he going to be able to travel to the US under VWP after April 2016?
Also do you think EU will retaliate against Americans under the same category ? Thought appreciated...
Best Answer
From United States Begins Implementation of Changes to the Visa Waiver Program, the new restrictions apply to:
Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria on or after March 1, 2011 (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country).
So the new restriction appears to apply to anyone who has traveled to those countries since March 1, 2011.
However, this page also says:
Under the new law, the Secretary of Homeland Security may waive these restrictions if he determines that such a waiver is in the law enforcement or national security interests of the United States. Such waivers will be granted only on a case-by-case basis. As a general matter, categories of travelers who may be eligible for a waiver include:
- Individuals who traveled to Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria as a journalist for reporting purposes;
It is unclear at this point how one might actually apply for such a waiver, or whether such a procedure might be any easier than simply applying for a normal visa.
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What is the Visa Waiver Program Improvement?
The VWP permits citizens of 38 countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa. In return, those 38 countries must permit U.S. citizens and nationals to travel to their countries for a similar length of time without a visa for business or tourism purposes.Can a visa Waiver change status?
Under statute, a Visa Waiver Program entrant may adjust status on the basis of an immediate relative petition even if he or she overstays the 90-day period of admission under the Program.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.How long is a visa waiver program valid for?
Each approved ESTA application generally is valid for two years and allows for multiple visits to the United States within that period without having to apply for another ESTA approval. Travelers whose passports will expire in less than two years will receive an ESTA valid until the passport's expiration date.U.S. changes Visa Waiver Program
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