Applying for a visa
Requirements for travel to the United States constantly change. Please understand that the US visa application process is significantly more difficult than those of many other countries.
While the US State Department website provides an estimated wait time (in days) for a visa interview for every consulate, in many cases, an extra 30 days will be required for additional clearance.
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Important
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We urge everyone that requires a visa to travel to the US to apply for the visa as early as possible (at least 6 months ahead). |
US State Department’s “Visitor Visas” document provides further information.
Invitation letter
If you require a letter of invitation for your visa application, please submit a request for a letter of invitation to the ISO/TC 154 Committee Manager for processing. The hosts will follow up the request with you separately.
For the invitation letter, you will be required to provide the following information: name, sex, passport country, passport number, date of birth, title, organization, and full contact information (including address, phone and email).
Visa notes
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Note
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The information below is provided purely for informational purposes. Please refer to US State Department’s website for authoritative information. |
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
The Visa Waiver Program permits citizens of certain countries to travel to the US without a visa if the stays are 90 days or less. Anyone traveling under VWP must apply for authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Application process
If you do not qualify for the VWP, you may be required to attend an in-person interview at a US embassy or consulate as part of the visa application. A nonimmigrant B-1/B-2 visa is typically required to enter the US for a meeting.
Please use the State Department’s website to start the application for a US visa: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv.
To the interview you may need to bring, in addition to document requirements listed on travel.state.gov, the following:
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Specific and detailed explanations related to your purpose for travel. Example: Letter of invitation.
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Proof of an existing relationship with your inviter or other US entities. Example: Copy of your meeting registration.
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Explanation of how your visit will be funded.
Administrative processing
Some applications require additional "administrative processing", which adds weeks to the application process. Applicants involved in scientific fields are often subjected to administrative processing and should apply for visas as early as possible.
For the invitation letter, you will be required to provide the following information:
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Name
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Gender
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Date of Birth
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Nationality
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Passport No.
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Title
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Organization
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Email
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Phone
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Address