What is the ESTA program?
The ESTA Program, or Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is a program that was created by the U.S. government to screen foreign travelers who may be inadmissible to the United States. The Program applies to travelers from the 38 countries and territories listed on the Department of Homeland Security’s website who are coming to the U.S. for tourism, medical treatment, short-term business or transit purposes. All travelers are required to apply for an ESTA at least 72 hours before their departure. Once approved, the ESTA gives students the authorization to travel to the U.S. for a period of up to 90 days. Under the ESTA program, students can also receive a visa waiver which, if approved, exempts them from needing to obtain a traditional visa. This makes it simpler and easier for students to travel without having to go through the hassle of applying for a visa. Once the student’s ESTA has expired, they must apply for a new ESTA or obtain a traditional visa to remain in the United States. Students should also be aware that, even with the visa waiver, they may still be required to go through additional immigration procedures at the port of entry. The ESTA is only one part of the immigration process and should not be seen as a guarantee of entry.
THELAW.TV ofrece respuestas en español a todas las preguntas sobre la ley de inmigración.El Programa de Exención de Visas Electrónica (ESTA) es un programa de inmigración de Estados Unidos que permite a los ciudadanos de países que participan en el Programa de Exención de Visa viajar a los Estados Unidos sin la necesidad de obtener una visa. El Programa de Exención de Visa es un acuerdo entre los Estados Unidos y 39 países que permite a sus ciudadanos visitar los Estados Unidos para estancias cortas sin la necesidad de obtener una visa. Esto incluye viajar a Estados Unidos para estudiar. Los estudiantes de California que deseen viajar a los Estados Unidos en calidad de turistas deben solicitar el Programa de Exención de Visas Electrónica (ESTA) antes de viajar. El programa ESTA es un proceso de evaluación de seguridad obligatorio para todos los viajeros extranjeros que usan el Programa de Exención de Visas para viajes de negocios o turismo. La solicitud debe realizarse por internet y el estudiante debe recibir el resultado de la solicitud antes de viajar. El programa ESTA permite a los viajeros llegar a los Estados Unidos sin una visa, previa aprobación, para viajes de negocios o turismo que no excedan los 90 días.
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