ESTA

ESTA or visa: which to apply for?

Any temporary trip to the United States requires authorization from . There are several types of authorization, including visas and ESTAs for French nationals. But which one is best suited to your project? In this article, we explain the differences between the two documents, whether in terms of obtaining them, their purpose or the opportunities they offer you.

ESTA, much simpler than a visa

The rules for obtaining theofficial ESTA are controlled and reinforced by an online questionnaire that every applicant must answer. If you don’t meet the criteria below, you should refer to the next section on US visas. Indeed, you have no chance of receiving ESTA authorization if your trip does not correspond to ALL the points mentioned:

If all these requirements are met, you can complete the ESTA form available on the Internet. Please understand, however, that approval is not guaranteed. The main advantage of ESTA is its accessibility, both in terms of time and cost. The form is filled in quickly, and you receive a reply in PDF format within 72 hours (usually the same day). Our advice: print out the form to avoid any complications at the border, even if you don’t have to.

If you’re planning to work in the U.S., do an internship, study at an American university or expatriate, don’t waste time ordering an ESTA: go straight for a visa.

The visa is more specific than ESTA

Unlike the ESTA, which covers a wide range of reasons for travel, the U.S. visa is made up of multiple documents specific to each situation. The recent creation of ESTA has eased the burden on visa processing departments. ESTA is intended for foreign nationals who are not covered by the Visa Waiver Program, or who do not meet the above-mentioned criteria.

This authorization is more costly and time-consuming than the first. For example, you have to go to the U.S. consulate or embassy (in Paris) to undergo a decisive interview, and prove that you have sufficient financial means to live on U.S. territory. Don’t forget to plan ahead, as the ESTA’s 72 hours are out of the question. It may take several weeks or even months.

Each reason has its corresponding visa:

The list of US visas is very long, so choose your visa carefully before applying. You should also know that the idea of a Start-up Visa Program for investors in the USA was abandoned in 2018.