Visa Assistance
NOTE: To request a formal letter of invitation for your visa application, contact
US-Visit Program, Department of Homeland Security
Under the US-VISIT Program of the Department of Homeland Security, new entry and exit procedures are now in place. At this time, US-VISIT requires that most foreign visitors traveling to the U.S. on a visa have their two index fingers scanned and a digital photograph taken to verify their identity at the port of entry.
Visas are required for most students, business travelers (depending on their length of stay) and millions of other visitors, regardless of where they live. NOTE: US-VISIT now applies to visitors seeking admission under the Visa Waiver Program as well as to travelers with US visas. It does not apply to U.S. citizens.
The following brochures provide additional information on entry and exit procedures for visitors with non-immigrant visas.
Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. NOTE: As of October 26, 2004, visa waiver travelers from ALL 27 Visa Waiver Program countries must present a machine-readable passport at the U.S. port of entry to enter the U.S. without a visa. If you do not have a machine-readable passport, a U.S. visa is required to enter the United States.
General Information about US Visas
For general information about the US Visa process, begin at the U.S. State Department’s US Visas web site.
The State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Web site provides links to information about visas, including processing time, locations, fees, application forms, border country requirements, and photo requirement.
The Bureau of Consular Affairs also offers links to United States Embassies and Consulates worldwide. Visit the consular section of these sites for specific information about getting a visa to visit the U.S. from your country.
NOTE: Interview requirements for obtaining a visa may now be more stringent than in years past, and visas may take longer to approve. AAM urges all delegates who will need to obtain a visa to enter the United States to contact the nearest US Embassy or Consulate and begin the application process as soon as possible.
Useful Links
- Universal Currency Converter (http://www.xe.com/ucc/)
- Weather Channel (http://www.weather.com/)
- World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/)
- International Cellular Services (http://www.internationalcellular.com/)
- The World Clock-Time Zones (http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/)
- National Geographic Map Machine (http://plasma.nationalgeographic.com/mapmachine/)
- BBC World News (http://news.bbc.co.uk/)
- CNN (http://www.cnn.com/)
