I was watching CSPAN (Monday) and according to the various representatives that got up and spoke about it this was supposed to be ONE OF SEVERAL Visa programs that was only going to be temporary. Despite 911 these people and the proper implementation of this program have gone unchecked and as a result has allowed approximately 15 MILLION OVERSTAYS living and working in this country because the government dropped the ball. The Illegal Alien Crisis has drawn attention to them and this is why all of the illegal overstays and probably H1B Visa holders are outraged.

Overview – what is the Visa Waiver Program?

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.

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.

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

How Does a Country Qualify for Visa Waiver?

Select Visa Waiver Program - How a Country Qualifies to learn more.

Which travelers may use the Visa Waiver Program to enter the United States?

[b]Nationals of the 27 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program may use VWP if:

The purpose of their stay in the United States is 90 days or less for tourism or business (if in doubt, travelers should check with the nearest Embassy or Consulate to verify that what they plan to do is considered tourism or business. Transit through the United States is generally permitted. Note that foreign media representatives planning to engage in that vocation in the United States are not eligible, as the purpose of their stay does not qualify as “businessâ€