The ESTA or Electronic System for Travel Authorization is an e-Visa. The requirements for a non-immigrant visitor visa (B1 / B2) are different under US law and more complex than the requirements for obtaining an ESTA. In most cases, visa applicants must be interviewed by a consular representative of the US Department of State. Their biometric data must be submitted in advance of travel and they must provide other personal information that is not required for an ESTA.
The requirements for obtaining a visa are different from ESTA and do not apply to Visa Waiver Program travellers. The same rules apply in New Zealand with their NZeTA.
I am applying for ESTA for :
- Visiting: I'm going to the United States as a tourist for 90 days or less.
- Business trips: I will be travelling to the United States for business purposes, such as trade fairs, exhibitions or to buy or sell a property.
- Transit: I'll only be in the United States for a stopover, so my final destination will be another country.
I am applying for a visa for :
- Working: I must obtain a visa to do any paid work in the USA. This applies even if the work only lasts a few hours (journalists, artists, etc.).
- Studying > 90 days: obtaining a study visa is relatively easy.
- Getting married: it is essential to obtain a visa as this is the only document that will allow me to change my status and subsequently obtain residency.
- Immigrate (live there): I could eventually obtain permanent resident status and perhaps even citizen status.
- Obtain American nationality: I'm moving to the United States to become a citizen.
- Long stay: > 90 days
An agency service 