PLEASE READ: Important Article on Understanding the U.S. Visa System
This article, written by David Donahue, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services at the Department of State, provides answers to questions such as: "When should I apply for a visa?", "Why are visas granted or denied?", "How should I prepare for the visa interview?", and more. Read the article...

Visa Waiver Program (VWP): ESTA Required
Effective January 20, 2010, the Department of Homeland Security is transitioning to enforced compliance of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) requirement for VWP travelers. VWP travelers who have not obtained approval through ESTA should expect to be denied boarding on any air carrier bound for the United States. Click here for more information.

NAFSA Calls for Shift in U.S. Immigration and
Visa Policy
NAFSA released a new report on December 14 titled A Visa and Immigration Policy for the Brain-Circulation Era: Adjusting to What Happened in the World While We Were Making Other Plans. The article calls on the U.S. government to adopt an approach that embraces the opportunities of a new era in global mobility and urges a comprehensive set of policy actions on the issue.  Read full report. 

Are you a scientist traveling to the U.S.? Has your visa case been delayed more than 21 days?  If you're willing to share this information, please submit a questionnaire. Please note: visa processing may take up to 60 days.

The IVO questionnaire collects information regarding visa-related issues from the scientific community. Data will be used for the purpose of tracking trends and to assist visa applicants whenever possible.

MEETING ORGANIZER RESOURCES
 

Are you organizing a meeting in the
United States?

• Register your meeting with the U.S. Department of State by completing an International Meeting Registration Form.
• Obtain advice for planning international meetings in the United States.  Enter the Meeting Organizer Resources Page.