USA ESTA from the UK
USA ESTA for British citizens: who can use it, who needs a visa instead, and how we complete and check your ESTA so it isn’t refused.
Find out moreUSA B1/B2 visitor visa from the UK
USA B1/B2 visitor visa help for UK residents who can’t use ESTA: DS-160, interview preparation and documents. Manchester visa advisers.
Find out moreUSA F-1 student visa from the UK
USA F-1 student visa for studying at a US university or college: I-20, SEVIS fee, DS-160 and interview. Help from Manchester advisers.
Find out moreUSA J-1 visa (exchange visitor) from the UK
USA J-1 visa for exchange visitors: internships, camp counsellors, au pairs, researchers and exchange programmes. DS-2019 and interview help.
Find out moreUSA I media visa from the UK
USA I media visa for journalists and media professionals working in the USA, where an ESTA can’t be used. Help from Manchester advisers.
Find out moreUSA C1/D crew visa from the UK
USA C1/D crew visa for airline and ship crew working on aircraft or vessels travelling to the USA. Documents, DS-160 and interview help.
Find out moreUSA L-1 visa (intracompany transfer) from the UK
USA L-1 visa for managers, executives and specialists transferring to a US branch of their employer. Petition, DS-160 and interview help.
Find out moreUSA O-1 visa from the UK
USA O-1 visa for people with extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, business, education or sport, and their essential support staff.
Find out moreUSA P visa from the UK
USA P visa for athletes, entertainment groups and performers travelling to the USA to compete or perform. Petition, DS-160 and interview help.
Find out moreESTA or visa?
British citizens can usually visit the USA for up to 90 days for tourism or business using an ESTA, applied for online before travel. You'll need a visa instead if you're not eligible for ESTA. That includes people who have been to certain countries, such as Iran, Iraq, Syria and Cuba, after set dates, people with some arrests or convictions, and people who have been refused an ESTA or US visa before.
UK residents travelling on other passports usually need a visa unless their country is in the Visa Waiver Program.
Applying for a US visitor visa (B1/B2)
A US visitor visa involves completing the online DS-160 form, paying the fee, and attending an interview at the US Embassy in London or the Consulate in Belfast. The form is long and every answer must be accurate and consistent with your documents. At the interview, you'll need to show the purpose of your trip and your ties to the UK.
Previous refusals, arrests and convictions
If you have any arrest or conviction, even if it is spent under UK law, you may not be able to use ESTA and should not guess. We help you understand which route applies and prepare the right documents.
USA visa help in Manchester
We're based in Manchester city centre and help travellers and businesses across the North West and the rest of the UK. Most travel visa applications can be handled by post and email, so you don't need to visit us in person.
Common questions
How long is an ESTA valid?
Usually 2 years, or until your passport expires if sooner. Each visit can last up to 90 days.
Can I use ESTA if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the offence. Some arrests or convictions mean you must apply for a visa instead. Ask us before you apply, as a wrong answer on ESTA can cause serious problems.
How long does a USA visa take?
It depends on interview waiting times at the US Embassy, which vary. Apply as early as you can before travel.