For most travellers from the United Kingdom, Ireland and continental Europe, the ESTA suffices for a holiday or business travel to the United States. The ESTA is valid for a transit in the USA as well. Travellers who do not meet ESTA requirements need to apply for a US visa, for example, if they want to work in the USA for a US-based employer.
Working in the USA as a UK or Irish national
Nationals of the UK and Ireland, who wish to work in the US, need an ESTA or a visa. The ESTA is valid for doing business in the United States of America, as long as the traveller is not employed by a US-based employer. If the business is carried out in a paid relationship for a US employer, a (work) visa is required. Find out more about the differences between these travel authorisations here below.
Temporary work in the United States
If you want to temporarily work within the United States for an employer outside the USA, e.g. during a business trip, you can apply for an ESTA. The ESTA is valid for 2 years and allows multiple stays of up to 90 continuous days during each trip. This means that a single ESTA can be used multiple times. Additionally, this travel authorisation is suitable for multiple travel purposes. An ESTA does not just facilitate business travel, but can be used for holidays and for an airport transit. The ESTA costs less than a US visa and can be easily applied for online.
Apply for an ESTA USA
If you plan to stay in the United States for longer than 90 days, or if you wish to work for a US employer, you will need a visa.
Working in the US for longer than 90 consecutive days
If you intend to work in the United States of America for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a work permit or visa for the USA. A (work) visa will allow you to work for a US employer. You can read more about this and other visas on the page with visa information for working in the United States.
Stay and work in the USA permanently
In case you plan to take up permanent employment with a US employer, or if you intend to live and work in the United States permanently, you are advised to apply for a permanent residence permit, also known as a Green Card. You can find more information on this in the article about the Green Card for the United States.
Apply for your ESTA easily
Do you have the British or Irish nationality and do you wish to work in the US for up to 90 days? If this is for doing business or to work for an employer outside the United States, you can easily apply for the ESTA using the online form on this website. The ESTA is not just more affordable than a (work) visa or a Green Card, but the application is also much easier. For an ESTA application, it is not necessary to submit documents such as a CV, diplomas, or a health declaration.
Moreover, applying for a Green Card or work visa requires a visit to the U.S. Embassy in London or the Consulate General in Ireland, whereas an ESTA application can easily be submitted online through this website. In most instances, the ESTA is approved within a matter of just 3 days. This average delivery time starts from the moment e-Visa.ie has received all your application information and documents in good order.
Please note: this news article about the ESTA for the USA is more than one year old. It might contain outdated information and advice, and no rights can therefore be derived from this article. Are you going on a trip soon and do you wish to do know what rules currently apply? Read all about the up-to-date information about the ESTA for the USA.