GSA International

Travel Visas 

To Attend Scientific Meetings in the United States

International people traveling to the U.S on a temporary basis will need to fill out the DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa. Detailed instructions on form completion, outlined directly from the U.S. Department of State can be found, here.

You can find more information regarding the documents you will need to fill out your DS-160, here.

Preparing for Your U.S. Visa and Travel

• Start early. Applicants should contact the U.S. Embassy/Consulate website for their country to review visa interview wait times and plan accordingly. In some countries, interview wait times can be exceedingly long, so early planning is critical. For reference, global visa interview wait times are available here:
  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/global-visa-wait-times.html

• Carry an invitation letter (strongly recommended). The Geological Society of America can provide a personalized invitation letter upon request. Applicants are strongly encouraged to bring this letter to their visa interview. It is also strongly recommended that any applicant should carry this letter with them when traveling to provide it to the immigration officer at the U.S. point of entry.

• Complete the DS-160 application. All applicants should complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigration Visa Application as part of the U.S. visa process. The application and instructions are available here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/forms/ds-160-online-nonimmigrant-visa-application.html

• Ensure passport validity. If your visa is approved, you must travel with a valid passport issued by your country of citizenship. A good general rule is that your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended travel dates.

• Carry necessary documents. Documents such as visa approval, invitation letter, proof of travel plans, accommodation information, evidence of financial support, program details, previous immigration documents, and contact information might be required at entry into the U.S. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers may ask questions or request documentation at the port of entry. Having these materials printed and readily available can help facilitate a smoother entry process.

*Special Notes: Documents listed above are not meant to be a full list, and individuals may have different requirements depending on circumstances.

Additional Resources

More detailed information about the DS-160 visa application process is available at U.S. Department of State DS-160 FAQs: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/forms/ds-160-online-nonimmigrant-visa-application/ds-160-faqs.html

Applicants should always consult with their local U.S. consulate or embassy website for the most current visa requirements and procedures. A complete list of U.S. embassies and consulates by country can be found at: https://www.usembassy.gov/. The visa process and U.S. entry requirements can rapidly change and may vary by country. The consulate website or office in your country will be the best source of information for your specific situation. 

Important Note: This information is in no way meant to replace information provided by the U.S. Department of State, or the applicant’s consulate office in their own country. While the Geological Society of America can provide general guidance and supporting documentation, it cannot influence or expedite the visa decision process in any way. The GSA does not communicate with U.S. consulates on behalf of applicants. All visa determinations are made solely by the U.S. Department of State.