Source: The U.S. Department of State
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. The program was established in 1986 with the objective of eliminating unnecessary barriers to travel, stimulating the tourism industry, and permitting the Department of State to focus consular resources in other areas. VWP eligible travelers may apply for a visa, if they prefer to do so. Not all countries participate in the VWP, and not all travelers from VWP countries are eligible to use the program. VWP travelers are screened prior to admission into the United States, and they are enrolled in the Department of Homeland Security’s US-VISIT program.
WT/WB Status
Upon entry into the U.S., visitors are given either a WT (waiver-tourist) or a WB (waiver- business) status that will be indicated on their I-94 Arrival / Departure record. There are two restrictions on visa waiver status that potential users should be aware of:
- The 90-day stay in the U.S. cannot in any circumstances, be extended.
- It is never possible to change from the visa waiver status to any other non-immigrant status without departing from the U.S.
Which countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?
Currently, 27 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, as shown below:
Visa Waiver Program - Participating Countries
Andorra |
Iceland |
Norway |
Australia |
Ireland |
Portugal |
Austria |
Italy |
San Marino |
Belgium |
Japan |
Singapore |
Brunei |
Liechtenstein |
Slovenia |
Denmark |
Luxembourg |
Spain |
Finland |
Monaco |
Sweden |
France |
the Netherlands |
Switzerland |
Germany |
New Zealand |
United Kingdom |
For complete details on who qualifies to use the Visa Waiver Program and what you need to enter the U.S., see the U.S. Department of State web site.
The Visa Waiver Program vs. J-1 Exchange Visitor Status
U.S. immigration inspectors have wide discretion in granting entry to the U.S. and often do not see Visa Waiver Program as appropriate for someone coming to a University to conduct any research, consultation, or even lectures. They sometimes determine that only the J-1 exchange visitor is appropriate for such purposes. In some cases, scholars coming to the University have been denied entry using the visa waiver program because the immigration officer determined that the appropriate status was J-1 exchange visitor. The scholars in these cases were required to return to their home country without being able to leave the airport. Therefore, it will be at the scholar’s own risk to enter the U.S. as a visitor in lieu of a J-1.
It is recommended that you consult with your academic department at UC Berkeley in conjunction with Berkeley International Office to determine the most appropriate status for your visit.