In an effort to simplify U.S. immigration procedures, the U.S. government approved the waiver of a certain nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 business/visitor visas for certain foreign nationals who wish to enter the United States for business or pleasure for no more than 90 days. This program is called the "Visa Waiver Pilot Program". Foreign nationals entering the United States for a H-3 training program are also eligible for the Visa Waiver Pilot Program. The Program is currently scheduled to expire on April 30, 2000.

The Visa Waiver Pilot Program is designed to eliminate the need for foreign nationals from countries with a high volume of business/visitor visas, but a low denial rate for these visas. These foreign nationals need not apply for nonimmigrant business and visitor visas at U.S. consulates before entering the United States, thereby promoting business and tourism. The program is also designed to foster better relations between the U.S. and participating countries.

There are currently 26 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Pilot Program:

A foreign national entering on the Visa Waiver Pilot Program is not issued a standard Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record upon entry to the United States. Instead, (s)he is issued a Form I-94W Arrival/Departure Record. However, the foreign national is still admitted under the same conditions as any other B1/B2 visa holder, but with additional restrictions. For example, a foreign national can enter the United States for up to 90 days without a visa under the Visa Waiver Pilot Program, but cannot obtain any extentions.

To qualify for the Visa Waiver Pilot Program, foreign nationals from a participating country must:

• Have a valid passport issued by the participating country and be a national of that country.
• Be seeking entry into the U.S. for 90 days or less as a temporary visitor.
• If entering by air or sea, have a round-trip transportation ticket issued on a carrier that has signed an agreement with the U.S. government to participate in the waiver program, and arrive in the United States aboard such a carrier.
• Have proof of financial solvency and hold a completed and signed visa waiver arrival/departure form (Form I-94W), on which (s)he has waived the right to a hearing of exclusion or deportation. These forms are available from participating carriers, travel agents and at land border ports of entry.

Foreign nationals entering at a land border port of entry from Canada or Mexico are not required to present round-trip transportation tickets, or arrive at the border entry point aboard a carrier who has signed an agreement with the U.S. to participate in the waiver program.

The following types of foreign nationals will not qualify under the pVisa Waiver Pilot Program:

• Foreign nationals who have violated the conditions of entry on any previous trip to the United States and/or have been excluded or deported.
• Foreign nationals who have been arrested for any offense of crime.
• Foreign nationals who have a serious communicable disease.
• Foreign nationals who are drug abusers or addicts or have ever trafficked in illegal drugs.
• Foreign nationals who were associated with Nazi persecution.
• Foreign nationals who have ever been refused a U.S. visa or entry into the United States.
• Foreign nationals who have a mental or physical disorder.
• Foreign nationals who have ever asserted diplomatic immunity in America.