The VWPP is a program that exempts certain nonimmigrants from the requirement of obtaining a visa to apply for entry into the United States. In order to be exempt, the alien has to meet the following criteria:

1. The alien must be a citizen of one of the following countries:

1. Andorra

2. Argentina

3. Australia

4. Austria

5. Belgium

6. Brunei

7. Denmark

8. Finland

9. France

10. Germany

11. Iceland

12. Ireland

13. Italy

14. Japan

15. Liechtenstein

16. Luxembourg

17. Monaco

18. The Netherlands

19. New Zealand

20. Norway

21. Portugal

22. San Marino

23. Singapore

24. Slovenia

25. Spain

26. Sweden

27. Switzerland

28. The United Kingdom

29. Uruguay

2. The alien's intended purpose for visiting the U.S. falls under the B visa category. For information regarding the B-1 visa, please click here.For information regarding the B-2 visa, please click here.

If the alien meets the above criteria, then he/she can be admitted to the U.S. without a visa. The alien simply needsto apply for admission at the U.S. border. The time limit for the alien to stay in the United States under this program is ninety days. This period cannot be extended except in the case of emergencies. When an alien is in the U.S. under this program, he/she cannot change his/her non-immigrant status. However, if he/she wants to change his/her non-immigrant status, he/she can obtain a third country visa for this purpose. (For information regarding third county visas, please click here).

(Updated 10/09/12 by NT)

For more information on non-immigrant visas, please click on the following links:

• Nonimmigrant Visa
• Who Needs a Nonimmigrant Visa?
• What Are Some Common Nonimmigrant Visas?
• The Difference Between a Nonimmigrant Visa and Nonimmigrant Status
• Consular Processing for Nonimmigrants
• Entry Into the U.S.
• Visa Waiver Pilot Program (VWPP)
• Attorney Fees and Filing Fees for Nonimmigration Status