An individual classifiable as a B-1 or B-2 visitor may be admitted without a visa, if he/she:
(1) Is classifiable as a B visitor
(2) Has a valid passport issued by a designated country
(3) Intends to visit the United States for a period not exceeding 90 days
(4) Is in possession of a round-trip transportation ticket that is not refundable except in the country of issuance
(5) Is a citizen of one of the countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program.
At the present time, the following countries are participating in the Visa Waiver Program:
| Andorra
|
Australia
|
Austria
|
Brunei
|
Belgium
|
Denmark
|
Finland
|
| France
|
Germany
|
Iceland
|
Ireland
|
Italy
|
Japan
|
Liechtenstein
|
| Luxembourg
|
Monaco
|
Netherlands
|
New Zealand
|
Norway
|
Portugal
|
San Marino
|
| Singapore
|
Slovenia
|
Spain
|
Sweden
|
Switzerland
|
UK
|
|
Visitors who enter under the Visa Waiver program for "business" purposes are admitted with the WB status, which is the same as the B-1. Those who come for "pleasure", or as tourists, are designated as WT, which is basically the same as the B-2 status.
An individual admitted under the Visa Waiver Pilot Program is not eligible for extension of stay, change to another nonimmigrant status, or adjustment of status to that of a permanent resident (except as an immediate relative).
However, they may be reimbursed for expenses or paid an honorarium if their visit to TAMU does not exceed 9 days, and if they have not received similar payments from more than 5 U.S. colleges or universities in the immediately preceding 6 months.
