Most commonly, applicants will receive an almost immediate response to their ESTA application, based on their eligibility under the Visa Waiver Program.
There are 3 types of possible responses:
- Authorization Approved
- Authorization Pending
- Travel not Authorized
If the ESTA application has been approved, the petitioner is authorized to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.
My ESTA Application Is on Pending Status
In the case that the ESTA application is on pending status, it simply means that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is reviewing the information that was provided in the form.
The ESTA authorization pending status usually does not usually last over 72 hours, the applicant will generally be notified of the final decision of their application within this period.
ESTA pending status refers to the undergoing review of the overall application as well as all the details provided in it.
If the current status is “Authorization Pending“, after completing the online ESTA form, please wait a couple of hours, refresh the page and check the status again.
In rare cases, the status “No application found” may appear after an ESTA pending status.
If this is the case, the application has not been made successfully. The traveler can start a new application process.
“Travel not Authorized” is another possible response for unsuccessful applications.
In this case, the petitioner may have to apply for a nonimmigrant tourist or business visa.
Reasons for the ESTA Authorization Pending
As explained, if a traveler has applied for the ESTA visa waiver and the status of the application ispending, this simply means that the ESTA is under review.
The main reason for an ESTA pending authorization is that the U.S. Customs and Border Protection is revising its details.
Some applications are approved within minutes and others take longer.
Small errors and inconsistencies can cause delays or even rejections of ESTA applications.
When completing the ESTA application form it is very important to:
- Complete each section with accurate information
- Revise to have provided the correct passport number as it appears on the original document
- Respond to security questions accurately and honestly
- Provide a valid email address and payment method
ESTA Under Review
When an ESTA is under review, it simply means that the information the visitor provided on their application is being verified.
The purpose of the ESTA is to screen travelers in order to contribute to the security of the U.S. external borders.
On rare occasions, it may take longer for the Government of the United States to review an application.
Bear in mind that all ESTA applications are screened against a series of databases in order to verify the identity of the traveler and check that the passport has not been reported stolen or lost.
Those who have completed the application following the instructions and with the accurate information, should not be alarmed by a pending status.
It will take up to 72 hours, and in some rare cases longer, to receive approval.
What If My Pending ESTA Application Is Denied?
In the rare case that an ESTA application is denied and the traveler’s circumstances have not changed, a new application may be denied.
A foreign visitor who is not eligible to travel with the ESTA should apply for a traditional visa.
The visitor visa for the USA can be obtained by applying through an embassy or consulate, a valid passport will be needed.
Should an application be rejected, the traveler can still obtain permission to enter the United States.
They will not be able to do so under the Visa Waiver Program, however, all unsuccessful ESTA applications may apply for a B1 Work Visa or a B2 Tourist Visa.