ESTA | Scott Legal, P.C.

Immigration

How do I Apply for a Satisfactory Departure?

If you entered the U.S. on ESTA and you are unable to leave the U.S. due to emergency (such as the COVID-19 pandemic or for example a medical emergency), you may request what is called a Satisfactory Departure. Both USCIS…

Khadija DerrickMarch 15, 2021

Immigration

I have been in the U.S. on my B-2 visa for the maximum allowed stay of 6 months. Can I simply do a “visa run” – a short visit to a neighboring country – in order to restart my 6-month visa clock?

B-2 Visa Basics The B-2 tourist visa is a nonimmigrant visa with a validity period of up to 10 years, and can permit the visa holder multiple entries (the visa validity period and number of permitted entries depends on the…

Jenny ZhanDecember 11, 2020

Immigration

My B extension of status petition has been pending for almost 6 months. Can I stay in the U.S. as long as the petition is pending or do I have to leave the U.S.?

B-1 visa classification is available to foreign nationals who desire to enter the U.S. for short-term business activities. For B-1 purposes, engaging in business generally means business activities other than performance of skilled and unskilled labor that are a necessary…

Jenny ZhanNovember 24, 2020

Covid 19

Can I apply for the National Interest Exception if I have ESTA or do I have to have a valid B-1 visa?

In July 2020, the Department of State announced that certain business and student travelers coming from Schengen countries or the U.K. (such as B-1 business visitors), treaty traders, or treaty investors may apply for a National Interest Exception (“NIE”). The NIE allows such…

Jenny ZhanNovember 18, 2020

Covid 19

Can I apply for an ESTA during Covid?

If you are a citizen of a country that is part of the Visa Waiver Program, you can come to the United States without obtaining a visa from a U.S. Consulate. However, you still have to apply for authorization to travel to…

Jenny ZhanSeptember 17, 2020

Covid 19

Will my ESTA be cancelled if I try to enter the U.S. while the European travel ban is in place?

When you are a citizen of a country that is part of the Visa Waiver Program, you can come to the United States without obtaining a visa from a U.S. Consulate. However, you still have to apply for authorization to travel to…

Jenny ZhanAugust 17, 2020

Questions & Answers

My family and I will be applying for an ESTA. Should I submit individual ESTA applications or should I submit a group application? Is there any difference?

Jenny ZhanAugust 4, 2020

Covid 19

Coronavirus Update: CPB and Ports of Entries Allowing Second Satisfactory Departure Application

The Visa Waiver Program or ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a program that allows citizens from certain countries (38 countries) to apply for admission to the U.S. using a simplified process. The applicant can use a web interface…

Jenny ZhanApril 21, 2020

Covid 19

Coronavirus Update: No Special COVID Relief for Nonimmigrants Seeking Change or Extension of Stay

At the moment, USCIS is not offering flexibility to nonimmigrant who are unable to depart the U.S. because of the COVID outbreak. Foreign nationals who are soon out of status may seek a change or extension of status to stay…

Jenny ZhanApril 14, 2020

Client Advice

If my visa is denied and I have a valid ESTA, can I travel to the United States on ESTA? When do I have to Re-validate my ESTA?

The Visa Waiver Program (also called ESTA) allows people from about 38 countries to enter the U.S. using a simplified visa process. You can find out more about the visa waiver program by clicking here. One question that often comes…

Jenny ZhanApril 13, 2020

Covid 19

I am in the United States on Visa Waiver or ESTA and my Period of Admission is Expiring. What is Satisfactory Departure and how can I request this during the Coronavirus?

Jenny ZhanMarch 16, 2020

Immigration News

Polish Nationals Eligible for ESTA Starting November 11, 2019

As of November 11, 2019, Polish nationals are now eligible to apply for visa-free business or tourist visitor travel to the United States. Poland is now added to a list of 38 countries already in the B-1 Visa Waiver Program…

Jenny ZhanNovember 21, 2019

E-2 Visa Immigration Investor Visas

What is ESTA? What is the Visa Waiver Program? Can I Set up my E-2 visa while on ESTA? Can I work at my E-2 Visa while on ESTA? Can I set up my E-2 business while on ESTA?

Jenny ZhanOctober 21, 2019

Visa Waivers

Poland Nominated for Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)

Today, the Department of State has formally nominated Poland for entry into the Visa Waiver Program. The Department of Homeland Security will now take the necessary action to assess Poland’s entry into the program. The Visa Waiver Program or ESTA…

Jenny ZhanOctober 4, 2019

E-2 Visa Immigration Investor Visas

What is ESTA? What is the Visa Waiver Program? Can I Set up my E-2 visa while on ESTA? Can I work at my E-2 Visa while on ESTA? Can I set up my E-2 business while on ESTA?

Jenny ZhanAugust 8, 2019

Client Advice

I am from a country that has ESTA – When should I apply for B visa?

Jenny ZhanNovember 7, 2018

Immigration

What Happens to ESTA if my Visa is Denied? Nonimmigrant Visa Denials and ESTA Travel

Having a nonimmigrant visa application denied produces a number of very real setbacks for the applicant. In the case of an E-2 visa, typically much time, money, and effort has been dedicated to the filing of a good-faith application. Even…

IanScottJuly 6, 2017

Immigration

What is ESTA? When do I have to reapply for ESTA?

What is ESTA? ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization and it is an automated system that allows people from certain countries to apply for travel authorization to the United States without having to get a visa from a…

IanScottJune 7, 2017

Immigration

What is the Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows people from certain countries to enter the United States without a visa in their passport. The visit must be for 90 days or less and you must be traveling for either business or tourism…

IanScottOctober 28, 2014

ESTA | Scott Legal, P.C.

How do I Apply for a Satisfactory Departure?

I have been in the U.S. on my B-2 visa for the maximum allowed stay of 6 months. Can I simply do a “visa run” – a short visit to a neighboring country – in order to restart my 6-month visa clock?

My B extension of status petition has been pending for almost 6 months. Can I stay in the U.S. as long as the petition is pending or do I have to leave the U.S.?

Can I apply for the National Interest Exception if I have ESTA or do I have to have a valid B-1 visa?

Can I apply for an ESTA during Covid?

Will my ESTA be cancelled if I try to enter the U.S. while the European travel ban is in place?

Coronavirus Update: CPB and Ports of Entries Allowing Second Satisfactory Departure Application

Coronavirus Update: No Special COVID Relief for Nonimmigrants Seeking Change or Extension of Stay

If my visa is denied and I have a valid ESTA, can I travel to the United States on ESTA? When do I have to Re-validate my ESTA?

I am in the United States on Visa Waiver or ESTA and my Period of Admission is Expiring. What is Satisfactory Departure and how can I request this during the Coronavirus?

Polish Nationals Eligible for ESTA Starting November 11, 2019

What is ESTA? What is the Visa Waiver Program? Can I Set up my E-2 visa while on ESTA? Can I work at my E-2 Visa while on ESTA? Can I set up my E-2 business while on ESTA?

Poland Nominated for Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)

What is ESTA? What is the Visa Waiver Program? Can I Set up my E-2 visa while on ESTA? Can I work at my E-2 Visa while on ESTA? Can I set up my E-2 business while on ESTA?

I am from a country that has ESTA – When should I apply for B visa?

What Happens to ESTA if my Visa is Denied? Nonimmigrant Visa Denials and ESTA Travel

What is ESTA? When do I have to reapply for ESTA?

What is the Visa Waiver Program?

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