This visa information is for non-U.S. citizens/residents traveling to the U.S. for attendance at the IISS 2010. If you plan other visits, such as business or vacation trips before or after the summer school, this information may not be appropriate for your plans.

IISS Disclaimer
Please note that this information is given in good faith, but regulations may change. The only authoritative sources of information about visas to the U.S. are U.S. Government websites.
U.S Visa Policies
U.S. State Department
Temporary Visitors to U.S.
U.S. Embassies
U.S. – Visit Program of the Department of Homeland Security
Visa Waiver Program
The most common way of visiting the U.S. without a visa is through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Currently thirty-five countries participate in the U.S. VWP.

Apply Early for Your Visa – Request Your Letter of Invitation Now!
IISS participants should familiarize themselves with visa requirements well in advance. We encourage you to apply for your visa as early as possible. The U.S. has updated its visa policies to increase security for its citizens and visitors. Receiving a visa may take longer than you expect. For details that may apply specifically to your country, see information posted by your nearest consulate or embassy.

Visa Wait Times
Some consulates may have backlogs in scheduling visa interviews so applicants should first contact their consulates to find out how long the wait is for an interview and to estimate how long it may take to have a non-immigrant visa processed.

Current Visa Wait Times
Look up your consulate's wait times on the U.S. Department of State's list.

Visa Letters of Invitation – Request Your Letter of Invitation Now!
Upon request, the IISS 2010 provides personalized letters of invitation to attendees. If you are attending and need a letter of invitation, please contact Wendell Horton (ritaw@mail.utexas.edu). A personalized letter will be emailed to you. To avoid delay of visa application processing make sure all your information is current and correct.

Visa Interview Advice
WARNING: No assurances regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. Final travel plans or the purchase of a non-refundable ticket should not be made until a visa has been issued.

What to Take to Your Visa Interview
Specific and detailed explanations related to your purpose for travel.
Example: Copy of your IISS 2010 Invitation Letter.

Complete travel itineraries and (if appropriate) schedules.
Note: Airline ticket proof of purchase is not a required item for documenting your trip itinerary.

Proof of an existing relationship with your inviter.
Example: Copy of your registration form for the summer school.

Explanation of how your visit will be funded.

Biometric Identifier
For U.S. visas, the chosen biometric identifier method (objective measurement of a physical characteristic) is a digital photo and electronic fingerprints. All fingers of a visa applicant are electronically scanned in a quick, inkless process during the consular officer's interview with the applicant.