ESTA Travelers Admitted Through JFK or Newark are Eligible for 30-Day Status Extension

Under a protocol known as “Satisfactory Departure,” travelers who entered the United States on the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) / the visa waiver program (VWP), were admitted through John F. Kennedy (JFK) or Newark Liberty International Airport, and whose period of authorized stay is due to expire within 14 days or less can contact the Deferred Inspections office at JFK to request an extension of stay for up to 30 days. If the individual then departs within the approved Satisfactory Departure period, the departure will be deemed timely. In cases where the period of ESTA/VWP admission has already expired, Satisfactory Departure will be granted on a case by case basis.

Individuals or their attorneys can contact JFK Deferred Inspections Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eastern Time at (718) 553-3683 or (718) 553-3684. They will need to provide their name, date of birth, and passport information at the time of the request.

Travelers who entered the US at an airport other than JFK or Newark should contact their KM&M attorney to discuss the process for requesting an ESTA extension, as different airports have different procedures.