The visa application process to enter the United States continues to be subject to a great degree 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.
Personal Interviews can be critical to successfully and efficiently obtaining a visa to enter the United States. One factor contributing to the increase in the processing time is a personal interview that is now required for most applicants as a standard part of visa processing. Group interviews are not recommended. Applicants need to be prepared to clearly present their intent to return from the U.S. as well as explain in detail how they will be spending their time while in the United States. It is not enough to just state “I will be attending a meeting”. Embassies are looking for more details as well as documents and information that demonstrate and support these intents.
Individuals are strongly encouraged to contact the embassy or consulate to schedule a personal interview as soon as it is known a visa is necessary for travel.
WAI is not able to contact U.S. embassies in support of an individual attempting to gain entry into the host country to attend the conference.
For detailed information about applying for a visa, refer to the Department of State website.
Individuals requiring letters of invitation to obtain travel visas must complete the Interwire 2023 registration process which includes the form to submit to WAI:
- Online invitation/Registration to Interwire 2023:
letter of invitation via Interwire 2023 registration - Email - to be used only for inquires on submitted forms:
visa@wirenet.org
Please include your full name as it appears on your passport, your complete mailing address, and your phone and fax numbers. Be sure to indicate which meeting you will be attending. If you are presenting a paper, include the title and the session in which that paper will be presented, or if you are exhibiting, please indicate that in your request. When requesting letters for more than one individual, please include all information above for each person. Individuals should include passport number, date of birth and the gender of each person requesting an invitation letter. All letters of invitation will be sent by email or 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. WAI is not able to contact US Embassies in support of an individual attempting to gain entry into the host country to attend an WAI meeting.
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.