How To: Make Sure You’ll Be Admitted Into The US

Since 1986 nationals of certain countries may travel to the US without having to apply for a visa. They can use the so-called Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows up to 90 days a year in the US for tourist purposes. This, of course, includes transit. To a very limited extent, the VWP can also be used for business activities (Business Visa Waiver), e.g. for fairs, meetings, conferences etc. However, not all nationals of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program may be admitted into the US without a visa. The following persons do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program:

-         applicants who plan to engage in employment in the US

-         applicants who wish to do an internship, attend college or university, attend high school, or work as an au pair

-         persons who have been denied admission into the US before

-         persons who have been deported from the US during the last five years

-         persons who have a criminal record

-         persons suffering from a communicable disease or a severe mental disorder

-         persons who are addicted to drugs

-         persons who have participated in the persecution of any person under the Nazi regime

-         members of terrorist organizations

-         people holding a blue German passport/travel document

Should any of the above apply to you, you have to apply for a visa before travelling to the US. We would like to point out that especially for people with a criminal record, chances of obtaining a visa for the US are slim. This does not only apply to grave criminal offences like assault or robbery. Also offences like low grade fraud or larceny can lead to a visa denial.