Questions Asked When Applying for ESTA
Have you ever had a trip to America? If yes, you must already know about the challenges and a fair share of paperwork that comes before getting a valid visa. However, since the start of the online American visa facility in 2009, the process of getting a visa for citizens of countries listed in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) has become simpler.
The USA ESTA is your electronic visa that will be linked to your passport and allow you to travel to the United States.
What Is USA ESTA?
An automated system called the USA ESTA establishes a visitor's eligibility to enter the country through the Visa Waiver Program. The ESTA application is completed online and involves answering a series of questions designed to assess your eligibility to enter the U.S.
Breaking Down the ESTA Application
There are multiple sections on the ESTA application, each of which is intended to collect particular traveler data. We have explained some ESTA application essential sections in detail.
Applicant Details and Passport Information
Your application is built upon this section. You'll need to provide:
- Your full name as mentioned on your passport (including any aliases)
- Gender
- Date and city of birth
- Passport details (number, issuance date, expiry date, and issuing country)
- Country of citizenship
- National Identification Number (if applicable in your country)
Ensure that all information matches your passport exactly to avoid any discrepancies.
Nationality and Citizenship
This section delves deeper into your citizenship status:
- Current nationalities or citizenships
- How you acquired these citizenships
- Previous citizenships, if any, and how they were obtained
If you currently hold or have held multiple citizenships, be prepared to provide comprehensive information.
Contact Information
Accurate contact information is crucial for communication regarding your ESTA status:
- Your current address, if applicable, along with your apartment number
- City, state/province/region, and country of residence
- Phone number
- Email address
Verify these details one more time to make sure you can be contacted if needed.
Additional Information
This section covers various aspects:
- Global Entry Membership (if applicable)
- Parents names
- Social media information (optional)
- Employment details
- Travel information
- Point of contact and address in the U.S.
- Emergency contact information
While some of these questions may seem peripheral, they help create a comprehensive profile for security purposes.
ESTA Eligibility Questions
When you are applying for ESTA, another important thing you will come across during your application process is the eligibility questions. The questions are to verify if you can be a potential threat to the United States citizens, health and security.
Make sure you answer question in your ESTA truthfully. Know that you can be cross-examined if required and if you have been found to be providing false information, your travel to the U.S. can be affected.
Eligibility questions that are asked from individuals filling out forms for American visas online include:
Health and Medical Conditions
- Mental or physical disorders
- Drug addiction
- Communicable diseases
Criminal History
- Convictions or arrests for serious crimes
Drug-Related Offenses
- Violations of laws related to illegal drugs
Security Concerns
- Involvement in terrorist activities, sabotage, espionage, or genocide
Immigration Violations
- Previous visa denials or overstays in the U.S.
- Attempts to enter the U.S. illegally
Travel History
- Visits to certain high-risk countries (Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen, or Libya) on or after March 1, 2011
You must know that if your answer is "yes" to any of these questions, it doesn't automatically disqualify you, but chances are that it will lead to complications in your application.
After Submission: What to Expect
When you finally and truthfully complete your ESTA form and pay online the required fee, your application enters the processing phase. The processing of ESTA applications are generally fast.
Nevertheless, in certain instances, the evaluation may extend up to three days. Whatever the update of your ESTA application is will be conveyed to you via the email address you put up during application.
Given the possibility of extended processing times, it's why travelers are asked to opt for ESTA applications well ahead (at least 3 days) before the intended travel date.
Navigating ESTA Denial
When you apply for an ESTA, know that denial can also be a result. Consider these steps if your application is unsuccessful:
Scrutinize Your Submission
Even though you must have undergone your application twice or more before, another thorough review may help you identify mistakes that are causing your visa denial.
Explore B1/B2 Visa Options
If you're confident in the accuracy of your ESTA submission yet still face denial, you can apply for the B1/B2 visitor visa.
Pursue Additional Information
When your ESTA application is denied, you probably won't be specified about the grounds for denial. However, you can reach out to your local U.S. diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate).
Reevaluate Eligibility Criteria
If answers to eligibility questions resulted in your denial, see if your situation has changed or if you may be eligible for a waiver.
Strategies for ESTA Application Success
Timely Submission
We always advise travelers to not trust in last-minute applications. The better option is to finish the procedure at least 72 hours before your planned departure.
Maintain Integrity
In your ESTA application form, provide information that is accurate. Keep consistency during your form filling.
Carefully Verify
Most of the time, they are the minor oversights that can lead to significant complications in your ESTA application. So, we advise that before submitting your work in its final form, thoroughly view every submission.
Document Preservation
Keep your ESTA application identification and approval confirmation for future reference.
Once in a while, visit the official ESTA website and other official websites for immigrants to remain informed about any modifications to the application procedure.
Closing Thoughts
When you start to plan your US trip and do the necessary paperwork, view USA ESTA as an integral step in your U.S. travel preparations. Whether your visit is motivated by business interests, family commitments, or leisure pursuits, securing ESTA approval marks the commencement of your American journey.
Also, it is important to keep yourself aware of all the existing rules and guidelines. Know that changes can occur and it is important to align with the existing rules and requirements to avoid any chances of denial. To avoid making any mistakes while filling the application form, here check out the Common Reasons for ESTA US Visa Denials.
Ensure you have checked your eligibility for Online US Visa. Japanese citizens, Greek citizens, New Zealand citizens and Israeli citizens and many others are eligible for Online US Visa.