To request an official inviation letter for your visa application, email globalforum2009@case.edu with the header "VISA LETTER." Apply for your Visa well in advance of your travel! The process may take several weeks.

Important steps to remember:

1. Review your visa status, and find out if you need a U.S. visa or a renewal.

2. Review the visa wait times information for interview appointments and visa processing at each embassy and consular section worldwide. Visit the embassy or consular section website where you will apply for your visa to find out how to schedule an interview appointment, pay fees and any other instructions.

3. Plan on an interview at the embassy or consulate, which is required for most visa applicants. As part of the visa interview, a quick fingerprint scan should be expected. Applicants who need additional screening are informed during the application process.

Processing Time:

The State Department’s goal is visa delivery no more than 30 days from the time of application in most cases. Sometimes it can take less than that, and sometimes longer. If your name or a close variation is matched in a database indicating law enforcement concerns, the process will take several weeks longer to resolve. If you want to visit the U.S., plan to submit your visa application well in advance of your departure date. Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for a current time estimate and recommendations.

Photos:

• The photograph for each visa applicant must be an unmounted, full face
  photo, as described below
• The photograph must have been taken within the last six months
• One (1) photograph must be submitted stapled or glued to the
  application DS-156

Forms:

Nonimmigrant Visa Application

Visa Waiver Program(VWP)
What is it: The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. The program was established in 1986 with the objective of promoting better relations with U.S. allies, eliminating unnecessary barriers to travel, stimulating the tourism industry, and permitting the Department of State to focus consular resources in other areas. VWP eligible travelers may apply for a visa, if they prefer to do so. Not all countries participate in the VWP, and not all travelers from VWP countries are eligible to use the program. VWP travelers are screened prior to admission into the United States, and they are enrolled in the Department of Homeland Security’s US-VISIT program.

Which countries participate: Andorra, Iceland, Norway, Australia, Ireland, Portugal, Austria, Italy, San Marino, Belgium, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, Liechtenstein, Slovenia, Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Finland, Monaco, Sweden, France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

*Austria: If your regular Austrian passport was issued or renewed on or after 10/26/05, and has an Austrian visa foil with a digital photo, it is valid for travel without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP); otherwise, a U.S. visa is required.

*Italy: If your regular Italian passport was issued or renewed on or after 10/26/05, and includes a digital photo, it is valid for VWP travel; otherwise, a U.S. visa is required.

*France: France has begun producing electronic passports. However, if you are traveling to the United States for business or tourism with a French passport issued on or after October 26, 2005 that does not have an electronic chip you will need to apply for a U.S. visa. Your French passport will have this gold symbol on the front cover if it is the e-passport (electronic) version required for VWP travel.

Temporary / Emergency German passports:
* Germany: The Department of Homeland Security has determined that as of May 1, 2006 German temporary/emergency passports will no longer be valid for Visa Waiver Program travel. Therefore, German temporary or emergency passports holders must get a regular German passport for VWP travel, or apply for a visa.

In addition to their passport, VWP travelers must also present a completed and signed I-94W Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver Arrival-Departure Record to U.S. officials at the port of entry. I-94W forms are free and often provided by travel agents, airlines or cruise ships prior to arrival, but may be picked up and completed on arrival at the U.S. port of entry. Travelers may also be asked to provide evidence of onward travel or other documentation on the purpose of their stay in the U.S. Travelers entering through land ports of entry must pay a $6.00 land border fee as prescribed in 8 CFR 103.7(b)(1).