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A number of users have come across an annoyingly confusing error occurring while filling the ESTA application, i.e., ‘Invalid Street Name’ when inputting the address in the ‘Your Contact Information’ segment.

If you have ever come across the ‘Invalid Street Name’ error when inputting your address in the ‘Your Contact Information’, you would repeatedly get an “Address Validation: Invalid Street Name” popup on the screen.

The problem is that as long as your address is not validated, you will not be able to move forward with the rest of the application. The even bigger issue is no matter where you put the address on the screen, it would just not accept the address even when it is absolutely legitimate.

So, what do you do?

Although there seems to be no logical reasoning behind this error (other than the possibility that there is a glitch in the system that the solution seems to counteract), here is what you can do to fix it:

Whenever you are prompted with a message that says ‘Invalid Street Name’, keep clicking on the ‘retry’ button. After certain attempts (by certain, we mean maybe a dozen attempts), you will see the option of accepting the address anyway and continuing with the rest of the application.

When you tap on ‘retry’ several times every time after the error, you will find a check box that says, ‘Check this box to certify that this address is correct.

Tick the checkbox, and you will be able to overcome the ‘Invalid Street Name’ error as the system will be forced to validate the address being input and let you move forward with the rest of your ESTA application.

Overcoming technical difficulties when submitting your ESTA application

Numerous factors could very well be causing you technical troubles. Please confirm that your machine satisfies the system requirements for minimum configuration.

A search engine that supports 128-bit encryption is required as a minimum machine configuration for ESTA authorization applications.

If you are using Internet Explorer (Windows), a minimum version of 5.0 with service pack 2 is required to view this page.

If you are using Netscape, you must have at least version 6.2.

If your machine fulfils the minimum configuration requirements, but you continue to experience technical difficulties, the issue may be with your web browser or firewall. Chrome, Safari, and Firefox are not supported at the moment. If this is your only browser, we recommend attempting your application from a different computer.

If you are using one of the supported Internet Explorer or Netscape browsers, check your internet security settings; if they are set too high, they may prevent you from accessing the ESTA website. Finally, certain ISPs may be restricted owing to spam concerns; in this case, you will need to call your local internet provider (ISP).

If the system is unable to register your passport number, enter it without gaps between the numerals.

If the system rejects your phone number, try again without using brackets such as () or hyphens – or spaces in-between numbers.

If the system does not allow you to proceed to the next page, it may have discovered a mistake in a mandatory field (such as an invalid Character, skipped a field, etc.) You will be unable to proceed until these errors are fixed. If a required field (marked by a red *) is not properly completed, the system will repeatedly redirect you to the preceding section.

The software WILL NOT recognize special characters including such ~ or accent marks – even if they are contained within a name. Utilize only English letters and omit all special punctuation. Please enter your name exactly as it appears on your passport’s machine-readable zone (MRZ).

This is the two lines of text with numbers and chevrons () at the bottom of the passport holder’s personal information page.

If your computer becomes unresponsive and refuses to restart, the issue is most likely with your browser or your computer’s capabilities. You may need to switch computers.

If you see an error message stating, “There is already an application with that passport number in the system,” this indicates that you have applied previously and have a valid application with a validity period of more than 30 days.

If any of the biographical data on the old application is wrong, the application becomes invalid, and you must select “continue” to proceed with the new application. Each new application will be charged an associated fee of $14.

If you continue to experience technical difficulties, see if one of the other suggested Q&As at the bottom of the page resolves your issue. If not, please make a support request by clicking on the “Ask a Question” button on the right side of the CBP INFO Center page. You must provide an email address in order for someone from the team to answer.

How to make corrections in the ESTA application?

After your ESTA has been accepted, you will be required to submit a new application if you discover a numeric twist in your passport details or date of birth. You will be denied entry into the United States until you submit a new application. Because an ESTA is always tied to a passport, all of the information must be accurate. If they do not, you will most likely not even be permitted to board the plane to the United States of America.

Correcting an existing ESTA application

Only the email address and the address in the United States of America can be changed in an existing ESTA after it has been submitted.

Correction of personal data

You must reapply for an ESTA if you want to make any changes to your personal information other than your email address and mailing address in the United States. You will then be informed that an ESTA for the supplied passport number already exists, and you will be asked whether you wish to proceed with the trip notwithstanding. You must affirm that you plan to submit a new ESTA application and, as a result, overwrite the previously submitted wrong application.

Correction of the security questions

The good news is that if you answer one of the nine security questions incorrectly by accident, there isn’t much you can do to repair it. In such a circumstance, you will be instantly disqualified from participation in the Visa Waiver Program and will be required to get a US visa for all future journeys to the United States instead.

Why is an ESTA authorization denied?

Unlike typical US visa applications, the ESTA application is completed online and offers consular approval to travel. An application for travel authorization may be declined. There are various reasons for denying an electronic residency permit.

Generally, authorities deny ESTA travel authorizations without explanation. The application should state the reason for denial, and any flaws should be underlined and addressed before resubmitting. It is not always possible to remedy compilation problems when applications are denied for various reasons and afterwards granted.

So be careful when filling it out. It is not possible to cancel the registration once it has been submitted. If you reapply after ten days, the result will be the same.

ESTA applications are usually approved promptly unless there are issues. Upon submission, the application is marked “Travel Authorization Pending”. In most circumstances, the status will be changed to “Travel Authorized” after a few days.

If an issue with the application is discovered, such as a typographical error or a correct answer to one of the security questions, the status will be updated to “Travel Authorization Denied”, and you will be denied entry to the US.

But what are the most typical rejection reasons?

The most common application rejection grounds are:

• Answering YES to any of the questionnaire’s questions.
• Having a criminal record for major offences. Online ESTA Form with a Criminal Record
• You’ve been denied an ESTA or a regular US visa before.
• Overstaying the 90-day ESTA stay limit.
• If you worked without proper authorization or visa status
• Previously, the tourist was denied admission to the US for numerous reasons.
• You’ve been deported from the US before.
• Using a lost passport that was retrieved after the loss was reported. In this scenario, get a new passport before filing for an ESTA.
• Being a no flyer or part of a criminal gang
• As indicated above, if you answer “Yes” to any of the questions, your ESTA application will be denied. If you pick “Yes” by accident, you can reapply. You should not lie about a conviction because the databases are centralized, and you will be denied entry to the USA even if you seek a regular visa.

The application asks about previous arrests and criminal records to weed out potential threats to the US.

What to do if your ESTA application is denied?

If your application was rejected because you made a mistake when filling out the application or because you mistakenly replied ‘YES’ to one of the security questions on the questionnaire in the application, you must wait ten days before reapplying and paying the fees again. If the second application is rejected, you may call US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and request that the incorrect information be corrected; however, in this case, you will be required to demonstrate the accuracy of the data through the presentation of documentation.

Whether a mistake was made or not, the refusal of authorization forces the visitor to the United States to adopt the alternative route of filing for a B1 visa if the trip is for business or a B2 visa if the trip is for a tourist. Other sorts of American visas are available based on your needs.

To apply for B category American Visas, you must go through a lengthy and rigorous bureaucratic process that includes filling out papers online and then attending an interview at the local American Embassy, where you will be requested to produce your documentation.

The following is a summary of the process for applying for a Category B visa:

• Fill out the DS-160 online form on the US Embassy website.
• Pay the appropriate fee and keep a copy of the receipt with the application identification number.
• Prepare the relevant paperwork for submission.

How do you know if my ESTA application was approved?

Authorization Approved, Authorization Pending, and Travel Not Authorized are the three types of responses that can be received in response to an ESTA application.

• Under the Visa Waiver Program, applicants who get approval are entitled to travel to the United States on a tourist visa (VWP).
• To receive a final response, applicants who receive a Pending Authorization response will need to monitor the website for updates within 72 hours of receiving the initial response.
• Candidates whose ESTA applications are denied will be directed to the United States Department of State for advice on how to apply for a visa to enter the country.
• In the vast majority of situations, ESTA offers a nearly instantaneous assessment of eligibility for travel under the Volkswagen Pilot Program.

It is possible to retrieve your application number through the ESTA website if you received approval but did not print or write it down, which is required in order to update or check your status.

To do so, go to the Retrieve Application Number section of the website and enter the applicant’s full name, birth date, passport number, and passport issuing country.

FAQs

How long is ESTA valid for?

If you’ve already applied for an ESTA, you may be wondering if your authorization is still valid and if you can use it to travel to the United States.

Since it was issued, an ESTA is valid for two consecutive years from the date of issue. It is possible that your ESTA will expire at the same time as your passport if your passport expires before your ESTA expires.

Since your passport is still valid if you applied for an ESTA less than two years ago, your ESTA is usually still valid.

ESTA can, however, be cancelled or withdrawn if, for example, you have recently been convicted of a crime that affects your eligibility for ESTA permission.

How to check your ESTA validity?

Check the status of your ESTA before travelling to confirm it is valid. Border officers may refuse admission if you arrive without a valid ESTA.

Checking your ESTA’s validity is simple. You can check your ESTA status online by entering your passport number and date of birth.

The results will be:

1. Approved ESTA – ESTA permission is currently valid for US travel.
2. Awaiting evaluation and any extra security checks. Up to 72 hours for a decision
3. ESTA Application Expiration – ESTA is no longer valid, and you must apply online prior to travel.
4. Incorrect information was entered, or no current or past ESTA exists. Not paying the application fee or technical challenges, such as internet connection issues, may also prohibit the application from being processed.
5. Not authorized ESTA — Your application has been denied, and you cannot travel visa-free. To travel to the US, you will need to apply for a visa.

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