Next Steps: After you apply for Online US Visa

What are the next steps after you have completed and made payment for Online US Visa?

Immediately after you have made payment for your application, you will receive an email from us confirming Application Completed status for your Online US Visa application. Remember to check the junk or spam mail folder of the email address you provided on your Online US Visa application form. Occasionally spam filters may block automated emails from Online US Visa especially corporate email ids.

Most applications are validated within 12 hours of completion and the result is emailed within 24 hours. Some applications could take longer and require additional time for processing. The outcome of your ESTA will be sent to you automatically at the same email address.

Check your passport number

Image of approval letter and passport information page

Since Online US Visa is directly and electronically linked to the passport, check that the Passport details like Passport Number, Passport Date of Issue and Expiry and full name included in the Online US Visa approval email matches exactly the details in your passport. If any of the details do not match, you must apply again.

If you entered the wrong passport number, you may not be allowed to board your flight to the United States.

You may only find out at the airport if you made a mistake.
You will have to apply for an Online US Visa again.
Depending on your situation, it may not be possible to get an Electronic Authorization at the last minute.

If you would like to update the email address for communication, make sure to contact visa helpdesk or send us an email at [email protected].

If your Online US Visa is approved

You will recieve an ESTA US Visa Approval Confirmation email. Approval email includes your ESTA Status, Application Number and ESTA Expiration Date sent by U.S. Customs and Border Protection(CBP)

ESTA US Visa approval email containing information from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Your ESTA or Electronic Travel Authorization is directly and electronically linked to the passport that you used for your application. Make sure your passport number is correct and you must travel on the same passport. You will be required to present this passport to the airline checkin staff and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer during entry into United States.

Online US Visa is valid for upto 2 (two) years from the date of issue, as long as the passport linked to the application is still valid. You can visit United States for upto 90 days for purposes of tourist, transit or business. You will need to apply to extend your electronic travel authorisation if you wish to stay longer in United States.

Am I guaranteed entry into United States if my Online US Visa has been approved?

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) permit or valid visitors visa, do not guarantee your entry into United States. A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer reserves the right to declare you inadmissible due to the following reasons:

There has been a major change to your circumstances
New information about you has been acquired

What do I do if my Online US Visa Application is not approved within 72 hours?

While most Online US Visas are issued within 24-48 hours, sometimes it can take upto several days to process. In such cases, additional information may be required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before the application is approved.

The email from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may include a request for:

A medical examination - Sometimes a medical examination is required to be carried out to visit United States
Criminal record check - In rare circumstances, the American Visa office will intimate you if a police certificate is required or not.
Interview - If U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer considers an in-person interview to be necessary, you will be required to visit the nearest US consulate or embassy.

What if I need to apply for another Online US Visa?

To apply for a family member or someone else travelling with you, use the Online US Visa Application Form again. Every passport holder needs their own Travel Authorization including children and minors.

What if my Online US Visa application is denied?

In case your ESTA is not approved, you will receive a Travel Not Authorized email. You will need to apply for a United States Visitor Visa at your nearest US embassy or consulate.