Visa waiver?

Question

I hear that Korea will be in VWP late this year. I would like to know how this would affect my sister-in-law and her kids. Their visa request was rejected a few years ago and I think that's mainly because she's single parent. Kids are 9 and 10 years old and I'd like them to visit us. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Answer 1

It will take longer than that. There are a number of things that remain to be done before Korea actually gets VWP status. It doesn't look like it will actually start up until 2009 at least.  However, people who've been denied on a visa application are not eligible to use VWP, so I think she'll still have to apply for a visa to visit the US, even when it does start up.

Answer 2

If Korea is added to the visa waiver program...that will be good for them.  They will be able to travel to the U.S. for up to90 days without visas.

Answer 3

Not sure as to what the status & time frame is for Korea getting the Visa Waiver Program. However, your sister in law will not benefit from the VW program. Once someone has been denied a visa they are never eligible for the waiver program. See this below, direct copy & paste from the Department of State website:

When does a national of a VWP country need to apply for a visa instead of using the VWP?

Nationals of VWP countries must meet the conditions noted in the section above (Which travelers may use the Visa Waiver Program to enter the United States?) in order to seek admission to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Travelers who do not meet these conditions must apply for a visa. In particular, a visa must be requested if the traveler:

• …………… Has been refused a visa or admission to the United States before, or did not comply with the conditions of previous VWP admissions (90 days or less stay for tourism or business, etc.); or

Here is the link so you can view it yourself.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/withou...

As your sister in law is not eligible for the VW there is no benefit in waiting till then, either time frame she will have to apply for a visa. So sorry it is bad news but at least this way you know for sure rather than speculating.