Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) has announced that it will add questions to the ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) application. In 2014, 38 countries are on the list for visa waivers. For more information visit CBP.gov.
A foreign national who enters the US under the Visa Waiver Program typically receives an admission period of 90 days. Those who enter under this program are not allowed to stay in the US to change their status. They must return to their home country to apply for a visa in a different status. Those who are eligible for ESTA fill out an online application to allow them to enter the US under the Visa Waiver Program without a visa.
In an effort to boost security, CBP announced that it has added the following questions to the ESTA application:
- Other Names/Aliases or Other Citizenships
- Parents name(s)
- National Identification Number (if applicable)
- Contact information (email, phone, points of contact)
- Employment information (if applicable)
- City of Birth