US Visa New Rules

[QRM]

I noticed even if you are on the list of visa waiver countries, in my case UK they are now asking to fill out and send in some sort of electronic form that needs to be pre approved before you fly?

It is voluntary now but Jan09 its compulsory, is there any advantage of doing the voluntary one now?

Rather than spending days listening to The Star Spangled Banner on some automated embassy answer machine, to be finally diverted to the catering department, has anyone tried and succeeded in getting a visa for their helper?

We are planning a trip to Disney land in the US and hoping to take our Filipino helper along. We could not take her to the UK unless she worked with us for more than a year.

Thanks

[TennoHekka]

I guess it helps since its supposed to expedite your entry, screening you and helping you avoid hassles during entry etc. As for the visa apps, maybe you would have to pay them a personal visit to avoid waiting on the phone, or if you have buddies working in ICE or the embassy itself, that would help

[jpatokal]

I guess you could call it helpful, since effective next week, they're going to turn you back at the border if you don't have it

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov

[QRM]

I believe they wont even let you on the plane without it. Its designed so any potential US immigration problems are stopped in the destination country. Rather than end up on US soil and then discover they can't come in. It avoids the US govt. having to look after them for a while before they can find a return flight.