New Guide Discussion: Beat the impending ESTA charge

spannerzone

Hi, quick question I have a UK passport with a B1/B2 USA visa, I'm assuming the ESTA isn't required as I've not used the visa waiver program. Is this right and anything else needed to be done (I haven't travelled to the US for a couple of years unfortunately!)

Many thanks

igaveupnowimback

mikeham wrote: »

hi,
I just found out that this is one of the agency sites that looks like the us esta site. Have since found the right one with no charge.

Can you please tell us which one this is? I am using the link from Martin's email but I am also getting the U.S page which wants payment. Another poster says the problem is we should be using a UK site instead.
Don't know where to find one. Thanks.

ferf1223

igaveupnowimback wrote: »

Can you please tell us which one this is? I am using the link from Martin's email but I am also getting the U.S page which wants payment. Another poster says the problem is we should be using a UK site instead.
Don't know where to find one. Thanks.

The only link I can see in the article here is the official one:

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/

You should most certainly not be using a UK site - it's a US government thing.

igaveupnowimback

Should say was posting on behalf of sister in Jersey who couldn't get it to work without charging.
Talked her through using link again etc and it was successful. :beer:

dzug1

spannerzone wrote: »

Hi, quick question I have a UK passport with a B1/B2 USA visa, I'm assuming the ESTA isn't required as I've not used the visa waiver program. Is this right and anything else needed to be done (I haven't travelled to the US for a couple of years unfortunately!)

Many thanks

Correct.

You may need to fill in the white I94 form on the plane - not sure if they are being phased out like the green I94W.

spannerzone

dzug1 wrote: »

Correct.

You may need to fill in the white I94 form on the plane - not sure if they are being phased out like the green I94W.

Nice one, thanks.

dzug1

dzug1 wrote: »

Having read the US press release, I can now answer the rest of the question - it's the date the application is filed (ie submitted) that determines whether the fee is payable or not. So if you apply on 7thh - no fee. If you apply on 8th there is. US time, presumably.

And it's an application fee - you still pay if you are refused.

Correction to that last bit - if you are refused you only pay the $4 application fee, but not the $10 authorisation charge

jonah107

Also went to Phoenix but changed in Philly and had to fill in the green form. The immigration man said they would eventually vanish.

s0198362

It seems there are multiple ESTA application websites. Many want to charge you for the pleasure (ranging from what I have seen from 5 - 50 pounds).


The official free one is here:

https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/


Don't get suckered into paying (yet) as I almost did, but then remembered something about it being free (still) on MSE.

bobtheskutter

This site is great!

I have a question about the esta form that I hoped people here could help with (though I might be better off phoning the embassy or something, I thought I'd check here first...).

"D) Are you seeking to work in the U.S.; or have you ever been excluded and deported; or been previously removed from the United States; or procured or attempted to procure a visa or entry into the U.S. by fraud or misrepresentation?"

I am travelling to the US for a job interview. That is seeking work, right? But the rest of the question really makes me want to answer "no"! If it is putting "seeking work" alongside "deported" it has to be a bad thing...