The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Travelers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before travel and meet all requirements explained below. If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor (B) visa.
VWP information and a list of qualifying countries
Requirements for using the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
- Travel purposes must be permitted on a (B) Visa.
Examples of travel purposes permitted while in the U.S. on the VWP
Business
- Consult with business associates
- Attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference
- Attend short-term training (any source in the United States may not pay you except for expenses incidental to your stay)
- negotiate a contract
Tourism
- Tourism
- Vacation (holiday)
- Visit with friends or relatives
- Medical treatment
- Participation in social events hosted by fraternal, social, or service organizations
- Participation as an amateur in musical, sports, or similar events or contests, if not being paid for participating
- Enrollment in a short recreational course of study not for credit toward a degree (for example, a two-day cooking class while on vacation)
Examples of Travel Purposes Not Permitted in the U.S. on VWP
- Study for credit toward a degree
- Employment
- Work as foreign press, radio, film, journalists, or other information media
- Permanent residence in the United States
More about Visitor Visas - Business and Pleasure (pdf)
More information about permitted activities
Payments
Educational institutions may reimburse VWP visitors for their expenses that do not exceed reasonable travel and living costs. They may pay an honorarium provided the visit does not exceed 90 days AND the visitor has not received similar payments from more than five U.S. colleges or universities in the immediately preceding six months.
Best Practices
Before inviting a foreign national to campus, email Engineering Human Resources (HR) at engineeringhrvisitors@tamu.edu to obtain appropriate guidance as to whether or not a visit under the VWP is advisable. Engineering HR will make that determination and then coordinate with hosts and visitors all necessary forms and approvals before the arrival of the visitor.