Headman Law Group represents Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) clients in New York — for finance, media, academia, and the arts. U.S. immigration law is federal, so we guide New York-area clients through the same proven process we use nationwide — most steps handled by video and secure document exchange, with no need to visit an office.
What Is the Visa Waiver Program?
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens and eligible nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without first obtaining a visa. Instead of a visa, travelers obtain an electronic authorization called ESTA — the Electronic System for Travel Authorization — before they board.
The VWP is fast and convenient, but it is also limited. You cannot work, you cannot extend your stay beyond 90 days, and you generally cannot change to another status while in the U.S. By using the program, you also waive certain rights to contest removal, so it is important to understand the trade-offs.
What ESTA Allows
- Visa-free travel for citizens of participating countries.
- Stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business.
- A quick online authorization, usually valid for two years.
- Multiple short visits during the authorization period.
- A streamlined alternative to a B-1/B-2 visa for short trips.
- Use for the same business and tourism activities as a B visa.
Visa Waiver Eligibility
ESTA is limited to specific travelers and trip types. The factors below determine eligibility.
Participating-Country National
You are a citizen or eligible national of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program.
Short Tourism or Business Trip
Your visit is 90 days or less for purposes that would otherwise fit the B-1 or B-2 category.
Valid ESTA Authorization
You obtain an approved ESTA before travel and hold an e-passport that meets program requirements.
No Disqualifying History
You have no prior visa denial, certain travel history, or other factor that makes you ineligible for the program.
Acceptance of VWP Terms
You accept that you generally cannot extend, change status, or contest removal except for asylum.
Using the Visa Waiver Program
ESTA is obtained online before travel — there is no consular interview.
Confirm Eligibility
We check that your nationality, passport, and trip qualify, and screen for any factor that would require a visa instead.
Apply for ESTA
We help complete the ESTA application accurately — errors or undisclosed history can lead to a denial that complicates future travel.
Travel & Admission
With an approved ESTA, you travel to a U.S. port of entry, where an officer admits you for up to 90 days.
Plan Ahead
Because the program does not allow extensions or changes of status, we help you plan a different visa in advance if your needs may grow.
What You Need for ESTA
The program is paperwork-light, but accuracy is essential.
Core Requirements
- A valid e-passport from a participating country
- An approved ESTA authorization
- A return or onward ticket
- Proof of sufficient funds for the visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) help in New York?
Free 20-minute strategy call with an attorney.