U.S. IMMIGRATION UPDATE - November, 2008

Please find attached an update respecting the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.

As you may know, citizens of certain countries (primarily European) are able to enter the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program. Your business may have employees who are citizens of these countries and either hold work permits in Canada or have permanent resident status here.

Effective January 12, 2009, these individuals must be "pre-registered" under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before they may enter the U.S.. This system is maintained by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It would be advisable to issue a communiqué to your affected personnel and have them apply for registration as soon as possible so as to avoid any interruptions in U.S. travel plans in 2009.

Information on ESTA registration is available at www.cbp.gov/esta