Reply #19: Visa Waiver

[WilmywoodNCparalegal]

Those from visa waiver countries have to complete a I-94W while in transit (on ship or plane) to the U.S. to be presented to the immigration officials upon inspection. This is a green form that is very short and requires just basic biographical information.

Once the traveler is inspected, the passport is also stamped. Part of the completed I-94W is then stapled to a passport page. The passport is sometimes also stamped with an entry stamp and something to the effect of "VWP valid until ____" where the date (90 days for most VW countries) is written in.

Currently, as of a few years ago, all Mexican and Canadian citizens crossing the border to the U.S. must also carry a passport and these are also stamped.

{edited to add: from many countries, you can actually pre-apply for something called USPASS which allows the VW citizen to 'let' the U.S. government know about his/her visit to the U.S. over the internet)