ESTA Resources

APIS is the Advance Passenger Information System, a pre-departure requirement allowing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to review passenger’s information. Passenger data undergoes security checks before they are allowed to board their flights entering or leaving the U.S. APIS is also used for commercial shipping or sailing to or from the U.S. APIS, together with Passenger Name Record (PNR)…

SEVP, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, has announced changes to the temporary exemptions for foreign students in the US who may be taking classes online during the fall semester. DHS (the Department of Homeland Security) is planning to publish the modifications as a Temporary Final Rule. Non-immigrant students have been able to pursue academic coursework with an F-1 visa while students studying…

In the latest attempt to reduce immigration to the United States, the Trump Administration has signed an executive order implementing further restrictions on temporary employment-based visas, including H1-B visas. With US unemployment figures rising significantly because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the latest restrictions are part of the Trump administration’s ongoing attempt to force US companies to…

On June 1st, 2020, a ban went into effect on select categories of Chinese students from entering the United States. However, the ban does not apply to undergraduate students from China. President Trump’s proclamation bars Chinese postgraduate students and doctoral researchers associated with organizations supporting the Chinese MCF (military-civil fusion) strategy from entering the United States. The…

Introduction Newly-wed travelers who plan on visiting the United States using an ESTA should be aware how changing names or getting married can affect how they complete their application, specifically if a traveler has changed their name or is awaiting a new passport. The following article provides information on applying for ESTA online with a post-dated passport and will help applicants avoid common…

The Trump Administration has indicated it is planning to extend new US border controls related to COVID-19 for an indefinite period. Critics have accused the president of using the coronavirus pandemic as an excuse to tighten US immigration laws further and it is believed that he now intends to extend a ban on migrants until the health officials deem the public health crisis to be over. White House…

The ESTA has been around for over a decade. During this period, the system has undergone a number of changes which have enhanced its security, usability and accessibility. Notably, there have been recent changes to the layout of the form. For example, it underwent a redesign to a be mobile responsive website, with additional security related questions in 2019. There are also some changes have not…

Travelers are gaining more awareness regarding online data collection practices of airlines, hotels, governments and other entities involved in providing travel related services. Many travelers now book hotels and other services using pseudo-names, aliases and other intentionally inaccurate data to gain a greater sense of privacy over their own personal information. However, when it comes to U.S. travel…

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to affect international travel, it's essential to keep informed about the latest changes to US ESTA, visa and immigration rules. As well as travel from many countries being restricted or suspended, the US has closed its borders with Canada and Mexico to all but essential travel. The economic impact of the coronavirus lockdown is also having a severe impact on many…

Introduction With the coronavirus pandemic affecting many countries, it’s more essential than ever to keep an eye on the latest developments regarding USA immigration rules, visas, and ESTA. In an update on March 30, USCIS announced that because of the temporary closure of Application Support Centers, biometrics previously submitted will be reused to validate the application for employment authorization,…