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Letter of Invitation

 

Visa Waiver Program

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) - As of 12 January 2009, all nationals and citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries will be required by law to obtain a travel authorization prior to initiating travel to the United States under the VWP. This authorization may be obtained through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a free internet application administered by the Department of Homeland Security though a U.S. government website.

Register Online for entry to the United States

Visa Waiver Program Frequently Asked Questions
*The Visa Waiver Program FAQ’s contain a list of countries that are a part of the VWP.

Visa Application

The visa application process to enter the United States has become subjected to greater degrees of scrutiny. For this reason, the application process can take up to six months or more. You will need to apply for your visa as early as possible, but no later than three months before you wish to enter the United States. Invitation letters take FIO/LS management 7–10 days to process.

One factor contributing to the increase in the processing time is a personal interview which is now required for most applicants as a standard part of the visa processing. Once it is known that a visa is necessary for travel the individual needs to contact the embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment for screening.

For detailed information about applying for a visa refer to the Department of State website and the National Academies International Visitors Office website.

Individuals requiring letters of invitation to obtain travel visas may contact FIO/LS directly by one of the following methods:

  • Apply Online
  • Fax +1 202.416.6100
  • Mail
    FiO/LS Management
    2010 Massachusetts Ave, NW
    Washington, DC 20036

    Please include your full name as it appears on your passport, complete mail address, phone and fax number and indicate which meeting you will be attending. If you are presenting a paper, include the title and session that the paper will be presented in, or if you are exhibiting please indicate that in your request.  When requesting letters for more than one individual, please include the entire information request above for each person.

    Please note: Individuals from China should include the passport number, date of birth and gender of the person requesting the invitation letter.
    All letters of invitation will be sent by airmail or by fax unless a Federal Express account number or credit card number with expiration date is provided on the original request.

    Please allow ample time for processing requests.

FIO/LS management is not able to contact US Embassies in support of an individual attempting to gain entry into the host country to attend the conference.
If you have questions about this process please email invitations@osa.org.