Visa Waiver Program (VWP) Eligibility Requirements for Citizens & Nationals

This information outlines the qualifying statements applicable to citizens or nationals of the countries participating in 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:

• Applicant is a national or permanent resident of the country in which they are applying.
• Applicant has previously traveled to the United States on Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and has no prior ESTA denials.
• Applicant has NOT been refused a visa application in the past, or if refused, a new visa has been issued after the refusal.
• 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, the applicant is 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, the applicant is applying for:
  • A non-blanket L visa (i.e., individual L visa for a specific employer) and has been employed with the petitioning employer for at least one year.
  • A blanket L visa and the petitioner is a multinational company with an approved blanket L petition.