Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Qualifying Statements for Citizens and Nationals

This document outlines the qualifying statements for citizens or nationals of countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). For a complete list of VWP countries, visit: 'https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html'

General Eligibility Requirements

• The applicant is a national or permanent resident of the country in which they are applying.
• The applicant has previously traveled to the United States on Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and has no prior ESTA denials.
• The applicant has NOT been refused a visa application in the past. If a visa application was previously refused, a new visa must have been issued after the refusal.
• The applicant answered 'NO' to all the Medical and Health, Criminal, Security or Immigration Law Violation questions on the DS-160 visa application form.

Additional Requirements for Specific Visa Types:

J Visa Applicants: In addition to meeting all general requirements, J visa applicants must be applying for an academic J visa (e.g., secondary or university student, professor, research scholar, short-term scholar, or specialist).

L Visa Applicants: In addition to meeting all general requirements, L visa applicants must be applying for a non-blanket L visa (Individual L-1 visa) and have worked for the same employer outside the United States for at least one year within the last three years.