How to Get a Homeland Security Waiver

The Homeland Security Waiver Program allows residents or nationals of one of the 27 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program to visit the United States without a Visa. You must comply with all of the Homeland Security requirements to receive a waiver.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Machine readable passport
• Form I-94W

1. Check to see if your country participates in the Visa Waiver Program offered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Visit the Travel.State.Gov website (see Additional Resources below) to find out if your country is one of the 27 participants.
2. Get a machine readable passport, which has a line on the personal information page that consists of letters, number and group of chevrons. Chevrons look like this: >>. If your passport does not have this line, it is not machine readable and you'll have to get a new one.
3. Verify the length for which your machine readable passport is valid. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your planned stay in the United States ends. If it isn't, you will need to renew it.
4. Know the rules regarding length of stay. Those traveling on a Homeland Security waiver are allowed to stay in the United States for no more than 90 days. You will need a Visa, if you plan to stay longer.
5. Fill out an I-94W Non-Immigrant Visa Waiver Arrival Departure Record. This form must be completed and presented to the border officials upon arrival. Travel agents, cruise ships and airlines often have these forms on hand. If you don't get one before you leave, U.S. officials have copies that you can complete at the port of entry.

Tips & Warnings

• Fill out your I-94W form before you leave so you will have time to apply for a Visa if you don't qualify for the Waiver Program.
• Understand the 90-day rule. The 90-day visit maximum can't be extended for any reason.
• Don't apply for a waiver if you have ever been arrested. Those that have been arrested in the past, even if the charges are dropped, do not qualify for the waiver program.