US Visa Information

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Letter of Invitation

FOR AUTHORS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Individuals requiring letters of invitation to obtain travel visas must be listed on a paper or in the program to receive an invitation letter. If you are listed in the EIPBN 2017 program, and are in need of an Official Invitation Letter from EIPBN for visa application purposes, please fill out and send the

EIPBN 2017 Visa Letter Form

FOR EXHIBITORS: If you are an exhibitor requiring a letter of invitation from EIPBN to obtain a travel visa to participate in the Exhibition, please fill out and send the

EIPBN 2017 Exhibitor Invitation Request

Please fill out a separate form for each person requesting a letter.
Send for form electronically to the e-mail address on form or fax completed form to EIPBN at +1- 301-527-0994.
All letters of invitation will be sent by mail and by e-mail (as a PDF attachment) unless a courier account number or credit card number with expiration date is provided with the original request.
Please allow up to 15 business days to process your request.
EIPBN is unable to contact U.S. Embassies in support of an individual attempting to gain entry to attend the Conference.

We recommend that you secure your travel visa before registering for the conference as cancellations after the preregistration cutoff may result in a cancellation fee.

Because of the number of visa applications, the U.S. visa application process can take several months. It is strongly encouraged travelers to apply for their visas as early as possible (at least 3 to 4 months before the visa is needed).

Passport Requirements to Enter the United States

As of 31 December 2006, anyone traveling to or from the United States via air or sea from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda must have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the U.S.

As of 1 June 2009, the above requirement extends to all land border crossings, as well as air and sea travel.

Beginning 12 January 2009, visitors to the U.S. from visa-waiver countries, most of which are in Europe, will be required to register online and to be screened and authorized for entry. The European Commission is considering a similar system later for visitors from the U.S. and other countries. The new Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) was ordered by the Department of Homeland Security to identify visitors who might be a threat. Authorization is good for two years or until one’s current passport expires. The initial registration can take place any time before the first trip to the U.S. after the system goes into effect.

Online Resources

U.S. Department of State Visa information home page:
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html

Estimated wait times for interview appointment and visa processing:
http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/general/wait-times.html

U.S. State Dept. Visitor Visas:
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/visit/visitor.html

National Academy of Sciences Visa Delay Survey:
http://sites.nationalacademies.org/PGA/biso/visas/PGA_048017

Visa Guidelines

Visa Background Information

Because of the number of visa applications and the need for thorough security reviews, the visa application process can take several months. It is strongly encouraged travelers to apply for their visas as early as possible (at least 3 to 4 months before the visa is needed).

Contact the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy for details on visa application procedures.

Guidelines for Successful Visa Applications:

Visa applicants are expected to provide evidence that they are intending to return to their country of residence. This may include documentation of the following:
- family ties in home country or country of legal permanent residence
- property ownership
- bank accounts
- employment contract or statement from employer stating that the position will continue when the employee returns
Visa applications are more likely to be successful if completed in a visitor’s home country than in another country.
Applicants should present their entire trip itinerary, including travel to any countries other than the United States, at the time of their visa application.
Include a letter of invitation from the meeting organizer or the U.S. host, specifying the subject, location and dates of the activity, and how travel and local expenses will be covered.
If travel plans will depend on early approval of the visa application, specify this at the time of the application.
Provide proof of professional scientific and/or educational status (students should provide a university transcript).
Any evidence that establishes a prior record of business travel to exhibitions and other events is helpful. A photograph of an applicant staffing an exhibit booth, receipts for admission, purchases of goods and services to support an exhibit booth at an event, are all potentially valuable evidence that may tip the balance in favor of visa approval.

A successful candidate will come to an interview with:

Evidence of prior related business travel, even travel to countries other than the United States.
A business resume written in English.
A letter of invitation containing anti-counterfeit measures from the sponsoring organization, such as EIPBN, as well as personal information about the applicant such as a passport number, Paper Number, etc.

Even those who have traveled frequently to the U.S. for business purposes might encounter difficulties from time to time that might have little to do with their standing as individuals. The nature of the products and/or industry in which they have become involved such as certain types of U.S. controlled goods (wireless technology, electronics, semiconductor processing and such) may give rise to difficulties and/or delays. The political climate and current state of relations between the nations may become a factor. In other words, a prior history of travel to the U.S. is never a guarantee of future admission.

Visa Difficulties

EIPBN does not have any influence with the State Department or the Office of Homeland Security. If your visa is delayed (60 days or longer) or denied, please contact the consulate where your application is being processed. Also, please contact the National Academy of Sciences

International Visitors Office and fill out the questionnaire:
http://sites.nationalacademies.org/PGA/biso/visas/PGA_048197

The International Visitors office regularly reports to the State Department (submitted through the Visa Questionnaire) about applications which have been pending for longer than 60 days.