WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A USA VISA APPLICATION AND AN ESTA APPLICATION?

To travel to the USA for less than 90 days, you don’t need to apply for a USA visa, but simply obtain an official ESTA authorization (travel authorization).

The contents of this page will help you understand the difference between these two elements.

USA VISA APPLICATION: USEFUL INFORMATION

A visa for the USA is a document issued by the American authorities that a foreign traveler must show when entering the country. Visa applications should be sent to the US Embassy or Consulate General.

It’s not easy toobtain a visa for the USA, as many documents are required, as well as proof (of your financial means, that you don’t wish to stay in the USA for a longer period of time…). An interview is also a prerequisite for obtaining a visa.

The name of the visa depends on the nature of the stay. There is a U.S. visa for every situation (B and C visas for visitors, F, J, M visas for students, L1, H1b, E1/E2 visas for workers, etc.). The duration, conditions and procedure for obtaining a visa depend on the visa in question. The cost of applying for a VISA USA is higher than that of the ESTA travel authorization.

ESTA: A SIMPLIFIED AUTHORIZATION APPLICATION

Are you planning to visit the United States for less than 90 days? You don’t need to apply for a USA VISA, just an ESTA!

The U.S. government will simply want to make sure, before your departure, that you are not inadmissible and will check your background (behavior and health), before giving you an answer.

The ESTA, unlike the visa, is not a document in its own right, and cannot be applied for at a U.S. embassy. A simple request must be completed via an online ESTA form.

If you’re planning to visit the USA for business or pleasure for up to 90 days, you don’t need to apply for a USA visa. All you need is an ESTA authorization (valid for 2 years). Thanks to this procedure, administrative formalities for travelers to the United States have been greatly simplified!

If you wish to work in the USA, you will need to apply for a green card.