International scientists and scholars (and accompanying family members) planning to travel to the United States should start the process as soon as they know of their intent to travel and be well informed and adequately prepared for the U.S. visa application process. It is strongly recommended that you begin the visa application process at three to four months in advance of planned travel.
FRIB does not provide invite letters for conference attendees (see below for the reason).
You need to provide information and documentation to the U.S. Consulate on the purpose of the trip. This can be accomplished through information from this website or the registration confirmation if you already registered for the meeting before obtaining the visa.
From the U.S. Department of State website:
Additional Documentation May Be Required
Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:
- The purpose of your trip,
- Your intent to depart the United States after your trip, and/or
- Your ability to pay all costs of the trip.
Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may be sufficient to show the purpose of your trip and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all the costs for your trip, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs for your trip.
Note: Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant's residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa. If you choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa.
For more information on U.S. Visas, please visit U.S. Department of State - Bureau of Consular Affairs.
