Visa Waiver Program

• There are 36 countries that participate in the Visa Waiver Program, which allows citizens of those countries to enter the U.S. without a visa. However, such persons must have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) document, which can be obtained online.
  
  

Canada, Bermuda and Mexico

• Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not require a visa to enter the U.S. for up to 180 days, but they do need a passport. There are some exceptions, which can be found at Reference 3. Citizens and permanent residents of Mexico must have a Border Crossing Card or Form DSP-150.
  
  

Micronesia and the Marshall Islands

• Citizens of The Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands do not need visas to enter, live, study or work in the U.S. Such persons only need a valid passport. Upon inspection at the U.S. border or at U.S. Customs if arriving by air, such persons are issued Form I-94W, which is an arrival/departure card.
  
  

Non-Immigrant Visa

• Those entering the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa are issued Form I-94, which they must carry at all times.
  
  

Immigrant Visa

• People entering the U.S. on an immigrant visa are issued Form I-551, the U.S. Permanent Resident Card. It is commonly called a green card.
  
  

Warning

• Having a visa does not guarantee entry into the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are charged with inspecting all visitors and determining their eligibility to enter the country.