ESTA denied to my nephew

[Veggie3 26]

Hi,

 

Recently we received the message that my 21-years-old nephew's ESTA application was denied no reason was given. The notification mentions "You are not authorized to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. You may be able to obtain a visa from the Department of State for your travel."

 

He has never been to the U.S. before and currently he is in a military pre-enlistment program in his country. He wanted to visit me together with his sibling (who has a visa and visited the U.S. 6 years ago) for about 2.5 weeks. I wrote my Congressman, but know that's a longshot. Is there even a point to apply for a tourist visa after an ESTA refusal?

 

Thanks,

V.

[appleblossom 5,751]

54 minutes ago, Veggie3 said:

Hi,

 

Recently we received the message that my 21-years-old nephew's ESTA application was denied no reason was given. The notification mentions "You are not authorized to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. You may be able to obtain a visa from the Department of State for your travel."

 

He has never been to the U.S. before and currently he is in a military pre-enlistment program in his country. He wanted to visit me together with his sibling (who has a visa and visited the U.S. 6 years ago) for about 2.5 weeks. I wrote my Congressman, but know that's a longshot. Is there even a point to apply for a tourist visa after an ESTA refusal?

 

Thanks,

V.

Depends on the reason his ESTA was refused. Any idea? What country is he from? 

[Boiler 48,648]

Why did his sibling need a visa?

[Veggie3 26]

He's from Israel. His sibling applied to and received the visa in 2019, i.e., before Israel was on the ESTA country list.

 

No reason is mentioned in the rejection letter. Does anyone here have a useful experience with a U.S. House rep. or Senator intervening on their behalf or is it a wild goose chase?

 

Thanks,

V.