| Introduced in 1986, the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is | | | | in the United States. |
| a United States government initiative which aims to | | | | Someone who is participating in the Visa Waiver |
| make the lives of visitors to the United States as easy | | | | Program has many of the same rights as a US citizen |
| as possible. In a nutshell, the VWP allows members of | | | | during their visit; however there are a few conditions |
| certain countries unfettered access to the US for the | | | | with regards to employment. Whilst they are in the |
| reasons of tourism or business for up to 90 days | | | | United States they can take part in business activities |
| without having to apply for a visa. | | | | such as meetings and conferences; however they |
| The VWP has been very successful at improving | | | | cannot take part in anything that could be described as |
| tourism within the United States, as well as reducing | | | | 'gainful employment'. This means that they cannot |
| the barriers to entry that many people complained | | | | receive wages or a salary from a United States |
| about prior to their introduction. Unlike the United States | | | | source. If a person did want to become an employee |
| green card or citizenship via naturalization, the privileges | | | | of a United States company, they could apply for it via |
| offered by the Visa Waiver Program are temporary, | | | | the green card through employment program. |
| and expire after 90 days (roughly three months). | | | | Applying for the Visa Waiver Program is generally |
| There are several stipulations that come 'packaged' | | | | quite straightforward. However, there are often hidden |
| with participation in the VWP. For example, in order to | | | | roadblocks that may need the attention of a |
| be eligible for the program in the first place, a | | | | professional and qualified immigration specialist. It is |
| candidate must be an official citizen of one of a list of | | | | recommended that anyone who is looking to take part |
| participating countries. These countries include the | | | | in the VWP first get as much information about it as |
| United Kingdom, France and Japan, plus many more. | | | | they possibly can. If they have the means, it's also |
| The candidate must have held a passport for their | | | | recommended that they seek the advice and counsel |
| country for longer than six months prior to their arrival | | | | of a professional immigration lawyer or attorney. |