AIRP Welcomes International Attendees
A trip to the United States may require an additional degree of planning. This page provides international meeting attendees the essential information for planning a trip to the United States.
General Meeting Information
AMERICAN INSTITUTE FOR RADIOLOGIC PATHOLOGY
RADIOLOGIC PATHOLOGY CORRELATION
FOUR-WEEK COURSE
AFI Silver Theatre
8633 Colesville Road
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3916
International Invitation Letter
If you must apply for a temporary non-immigrant visa to attend AIRP, you are advised to apply as soon as travel to the U.S. is contemplated and not later than 3-4 months in advance. APPLY EARLY!
AIRP offers an official letter of invitation for international attendees, (please contact Donald Hatley at dhatley@acr.org). The visa letter of invitation, though not required for the visa application, can assist as a supporting document. Present this letter to the consular officer during the visa interview. This letter by no means guarantees admittance into the U.S., but can provide compelling evidence for immigration officials to consider. Please note that the AIRP cannot intervene with either U.S. embassies abroad or with the U.S. State Department on behalf on any attendee.
Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certian countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. For more information, go to http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html and select Visa Waiver Program.
Travel Approval Required for Visa Waiver Countries
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a free, automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors for travel to the U.S. under the VWP. A valid ESTA approval is required for all VWP travel to the U.S. The electronic version collects the same information as the paper I-94W form also used for travel to the U.S. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel. An ESTA authorization generally will be valid for up to two years. Authorizations will be valid for multiple entries into the U.S. The DHS recommends that travelers submit an ESTA application as soon as they begin making travel plans.
Effective January 20, 2010, The Department of Homeland Security is transitioning to enforced compliance of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) requirement for VWP travelers. Therefore, VWP travelers who have not obtained approval through ESTA should expect to be denied boarding on any air carrier bound for the United States.
Effective September 8, 2010, US Customs and Border Protection will charge $14 for all new or renewed ESTA. The fees include a $4 administrative fee and a $10 travel promotion fee established by the Travel Promotion Act of 2009. More information regarding this fee can be found at http://www.cbp.gov/.
Tips for Successful Visa Applications
Include a letter of invitation from the meeting organizer (please contact dhatley@acr.org).
When possible, provide proof of professional scientific and/or educational status, society membership and/or meeting registration.
Visa applicants are expected to provide evidence that they intend to return to their country of residence. Therefore, applicants should provide proof of binding or sufficient ties to their home country or permanent residence abroad. Visa applications are more likely to be successful if done in the visitor's home country.
Applicants should present their entire trip itinerary, including travel to any countries other than the United States, at the time of their visa application.
All applicants must be able to qualify for a visa on their own merits under the requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act.