The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows eligible citizens of specific countries to visit the United States for short stays up to 90 days without obtaining a visa stamp. Visitors may enter for business (WB) or tourism/pleasure (WT).  

WT/WB status is often referred to as ESTA; however, ESTA is the electronic system visitors must use to obtain authorization before entering the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA is not a visa, but a required pre-travel clearance linked to WT/WB admission. 

Academic study and employment are not permitted. The Department of State indicates that activities like independent research are permissible for short academic visits; WB mirrors B-1 for permitted activities. For most academic purposes of a month or more, J-1 Exchange Visitor sponsorship is preferred because it aligns with typical campus activities and reduces the risk of problems at the port of entry. 

VWP visitors cannot extend their stay beyond 90 days and cannot change to another immigration status while in the U.S. Entry is always at the discretion of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry. 

Eligibility

• Citizenship/Nationality: Must be a citizen or national of a country designated under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). 
• Passport Validity: Passport from a VWP-approved country must be valid for at least six months beyond the planned date of departure from the U.S. 
• Purpose of Visit: Must intend to engage in an approved visitor activity (see the “When to Use” section below for examples). 
• Scholars are not eligible for the Visa Waiver Program if they have: 
  • Dual nationality with Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria. 
  • Traveled to or been present in any of the following countries on or after March 1, 2011: 
    • Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) 
    • Iran 
    • Iraq 
    • Libya 
    • Somalia 
    • Sudan 
    • Syria 
    • Yemen 
  • Traveled to or been present in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021. 
  • Exceptions: travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country.) 

The U.S. Department of State has detailed WB/WT guidance. 

WB/WT visitors are not sponsored by ISEO, so there is no ISEO processing time or fee to consider.  

Depending on the purpose of the visit, the visitor may need to hold an official UC San Diego appointment. In addition, departments are expected to issue a letter of support that the international visitor can present at the U.S. port of entry. Visitors from approved VWP countries must obtain ESTA authorization at least 72 hours before travel. See ESTA Registration Process below. 

WT (Visitor for Pleasure) status is intended for visits that are recreational in nature, such as tourism, visiting friends or relatives, attending social events, or other non-academic purposes. 

UC San Diego departments should not issue invitation letters for WT visitors, as WT status is not appropriate for academic or business-related activities. If a visitor will be engaging in short independent university-related business, they should instead be invited under WB (Visitor for Business) status. 

WB Visitor for Business is suitable for short, unpaid academic or professional activities where UC San Diego does not employ or pay the visitor for services. An international visitor entering in WB status holds a permanent residence in a foreign country that they have no intention of abandoning, and is visiting the U.S. temporarily for business, such as:  

• Visits must be less than 90 days 
  • Note: Stay in the U.S. cannot be extended beyond the initial admission period. Visitor must depart the U.S. at the end of their authorized stay. 
• Partaking in independent research  
• Consulting with business associates  
• Participating in scientific, educational, or professional conventions, conferences, or seminars  
• Giving an unpaid guest lecture or academic talk  
• Attending a UC San Diego-sponsored conference or workshop  
• Observing or collaborating on research without payment  
• Participating in unpaid academic meetings or consultations  

WB is not appropriate for: 

• Any activity that fulfills an employment need at UC San Diego 
• Enrollment in a course or degree program 
• A way to arrive “faster” in the U.S. to switch to another status  
• Long-term supervised academic work  
• Activities that require close supervision   
• Individuals coming to conduct research in a lab who have not completed their undergraduate degree, as they would likely require supervision   

If the activity will benefit UC San Diego in a way typical of collaborative research or is a structured appointment that may lead to publications, patents, or ongoing lab participation, departments should use J-1 rather than WB. 

WB/WT visitors may not receive salary or wages from UC San Diego. However, they may be eligible for: 

• Reimbursement of reasonable business expenses (for business-purpose travel) 
• Honorarium payment for a usual academic activity if all the following are true (9-5-6 Rule): 
• The activity at UC San Diego lasts 9 days or fewer 
• Payment is only from UC San Diego for that activity 
• The visitor has not accepted honoraria or expense reimbursements from more than 5 U.S. institutions in the previous 6 months 

If any condition is not met, do not issue an honorarium.  

International visitors using WB/WT status must complete the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). 

Validity of ESTA 

• An international visitor may only remain in the U.S. in WB status (ESTA) for up to 90 days, with no ability to extend or change status. 
• Visitors should review their ESTA portal, which will show the validity of their ESTA request. 
• With a valid/approved ESTA, visitors may make multiple entries over the two-year validity period, or until their passport expires, whichever comes first. 
  • CBP states: “Receiving ESTA authorization does not mean you may stay in the U.S. for two years; unless revoked, travel authorizations are valid for two years from the date of authorization, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. The Authorization Approved screen displays your travel authorization expiration date.” 

Processing 

• ESTA applications typically take about 72 hours to process. We encourage international visitors who need a new ESTA authorization to apply well in advance in case of unexpected delays. 
• The application fee is approximately $40. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provides a detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section to guide international visitors through the ESTA application process. 

UC San Diego Appointment and Letter of Support
Depending on the purpose of the visit, international visitors may need to hold an official UC San Diego appointment.  

In addition, departments are expected to provide an letter of support that the visitor can present at the U.S. port of entry. Historically, these letters were not commonly requested at ports of entry. However, CBP officers are now enforcing regulations more strictly, and having this letter has proven useful in confirming the purpose and duration of the visit. 

Important Notes:

• In our experience, using the term “internship” in any documentation is likely to be interpreted by the Department of State as an activity that requires J-1 status.
• The Letter of Support must include an authorized departmental signature. Acceptable formats are:
  • Wet signature and scanned copy, or
  • Electronic signature (inserted image of signature)

  
U.S. Customs and Border Protection  

To Whom It May Concern:  

I am writing on behalf of Dr./Mr./Ms. [name of visitor as appears on passport].  

I have invited Dr./Ms./Mr. [llast name of visitor] to [purpose of the visit, such as: attend a conference, give a presentation, conduct a short-term independent research project on ____________] at the University of California, San Diego from [start date] to [end date].  

Dr./Mr./Ms. [last name of visitor] will not receive any salary or compensation for services from the University of California, San Diego during their stay in the U.S. [or: Dr./Mr./Ms. will receive reimbursement for business expenses and/or an honorarium in the amount of $____]. During their stay at UC San Diego, they will be supported by [personal finances/employer abroad, etc.].  

We kindly ask that Dr./Mr./Ms. [name of visitor as appears on passport] be granted entry to the United States in WB (Visa Waiver – Business) status.  

Thank you for your consideration 

Sincerely, 

 
[PI/HR/Chair Signature]  

_______________________________  

[Printed Name]  

[Title]  

Admission in WB/WT is at the CBP officer’s discretion. Visitors should have the following prepared: 

• Valid passport (valid at least six months beyond the return date) 
• Approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) registration 
• Department Letter of support (for WB visits to UC San Diego) 
• Evidence of intent to return to the home country (e.g., round-trip airline ticket) 
• Proof of financial support (e.g., bank statement) to show how they will support themselves while in the U.S. 
• Explain the visit as business (WB) or tourism (WT) and request the correct status (WB for business or WT for tourism) 

If the officer determines another visa category is more appropriate for the stated purpose, admission in WB/WT may be declined. Departments should consider J-1 sponsorship when activities are academic and benefit UC San Diego. 

Departments should log into iServices and complete the “Other Visa Types Scholar Registration Dept Initiated” e-form. 

This allows ISEO to stay aware of WB visitors on campus so we can include them in events, workshops, and important communications—such as updates to immigration policies that may affect them or notifications in case of an emergency. 

Can WB/WT be extended beyond 90 days? 
No. There is no extension beyond 90 days for VWP entries. 

Can someone in WB/WT change status while in the U.S.? 
Change of status is not permitted for WB/WT entries; visitors should plan to depart on time. 

Do WB/WT visitors need health insurance? 
Health insurance is not required, but always strongly recommended. Visitors are responsible for obtaining their own coverage. 

Can dependents accompany a WB/WT visitor? 
Eligible family members may also seek admission under the VWP or apply for B-2 visitor visas. 

Can a Visiting Graduate Student (VGS) use WB/WT to visit? 
An international visitor with a VGS appointment is not restricted from entering the U.S. in WB status. However, it's important to note that the WB is intended for short-term, independent activities that require little to no supervision. We recommend that the department and international visitor review our “When to Use the WB Status” section to determine if the WB is the best option for this visitor.  

If a CBP officer at the port of entry does not see the purpose of the visit as aligning with the WB, they could be denied entry and advised that another status, such as the J-1, is more appropriate.