As part of security procedures, applications for visas are sent to the U.S. State Department for a security review. For further information, visit the State Department website at http://travel.state.gov/visa. You can also visit the "International Visitors Office" website at http://www.nationalacademies.org/visas.
 

Requests for Letters of Invitation

For security purposes, letters of invitation can only be sent to individuals that have registered for the meeting. After you have registered, you will be given a link to generate your letter of invitation. If you have questions, please contact Toney Vogel (tvogel@ashg.org).

NEW for International Visitors

The U.S. State Department has announced that, beginning in August, 2008, visitors traveling to the U.S. from all countries including the visa waiver countries (such as England and Japan) will have to register personal details online at least three (3) days in advance of travel. For the official announcement about the new system called the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), go here. We urge international attendees to visit these Web sites periodically for the most up-to-date information. For visa applications that have not been approved 30 days after the interview you should complete an online questionnaire. You will be asked to name the meeting (ASHG 2008) and explain the purpose of your visit. The questionnaire can be found here.
 

VISAS

We advise scientists traveling to the United States to apply for a visa as early as possible (at least three months before visa is needed). Please check with your local U.S. consulate or embassy to find out the earliest that you may apply for a visa: http://travel.state.gov/visa/questions_embassy.html. Because of the number of visas being processed and the need to be thorough with the reviews, this can take as long 8 weeks, especially for those countries that are on the State Sponsors of Terrorism List. Attendees from these countries should start the application process at least six months in advance of the meeting.

Visa Waiver Program (VWP): Some foreign participants may not need visas if they are citizens of any of the countries on the Visa Waiver Program. ALL citizens of the Visa Waiver Program are required to have Machine-Readable Passports (MRP) in order to travel to the United States without a visa. Without a MRP, you will be required to apply for a visa. For further information on passport requirements, visit the Department of Homeland Security Website. All foreign visitors (including Visa Waiver Program travelers) will be fingerprinted and photographed upon arrival in the United States. For additional information, visit the US-Visit Program Website. For the list of countries, visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_novisa_waiver.html
 

To assist you with the Visa application process:

• Ask for a letter of invitation to attend at least four (4) months prior to the meeting (see below for further information).

• Apply for visa at least three (3) months in advance. For countries that are on the State Sponsors of Terrorism List, the State Department suggests applying for a visa six (6) to eight (8) months in advance.

• Provide your entire trip itinerary, including travel to any countries other than the United States, at the time of visa application.

• If completion of travel plans is contingent upon early approval of the visa application, specify this at the time of the application.

• Provide proof of scientific status.

• Provide meeting website and letter of invitation.

• Provide evidence that you are intending to return to your country of residence. This includes such things as:

  • family ties in current country of residence

  • property ownership

  • bank account

  • an employment contract or statement from employer showing that position will continue after the dates of the meeting

• Click HERE to download a “step by step” outlined of today’s US. Visa procedures.

VISA Problems

For applications that have not been approved 30 days after the interview you should complete an on-line questionnaire. You will be asked to name the meeting (ASHG 2008) and explain the purpose of your visit. The questionnaire can be found at http://www7.nationalacademies.org/visas/Visa_Questionnaire.html.
 

PASSPORT INFORMATION