Visa Information

Overseas conference participants should familiarize themselves with visa requirements well in advance of the conference. The following are some useful sources:

• U.S. Department of State - http://travel.state.gov/
• The majority of overseas attendees will be eligible for the "Visa Waiver Program". Details can be found in http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html#vwp.

Important note for participants benefiting from financial support:

Workshop participants selected to benefit from financial support provided through ORNL are required to enter the US under a business visa (B-1) or Buisness visa waiver (VWB). Oak Ridge National Laboratories cannot make payments or reimbursements to foreign nationals entering the US on a B-2 visa or a VWT. Before leaving the immigration inspection station at the airport, be sure the immigration official has entered "B-1" or "VWB" on the I-94 card.

Visitors who plan to enter the U.S. on a B-1 visa should submit applications to the U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as possible. The U.S. State Department advises that: Applying for a B-1 visa several months in advance will ensure enough time to conduct the personal interview, review the application, and determine whether a visa will be issued.

For information regarding B-1 visas, visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_2664.html. This link will also direct you to listings of embassies and consulates in specific countries so that you can find out about their particular directives. You should check your specific embassy/consulate web page for directions on items you will need to bring to the interview. You also may want to take any of the following items that are applicable to the visa interview, even if they are not listed on the website:

1. Your CV;
2. A CV for an accompanying spouse;
3. A publication list;
4. A publication list for an accompanying spouse;
5. An invitation letter;
6. A letter of financial support or documentation about finances; and
7. A detailed itinerary.