Visa Information

Recent changes in United States visa policy and procedures may increase the amount of time it takes for foreigners who want to visit, to obtain a visa. It is important to apply early! Changes introduced shortly after September 11, 2001 involve extensive and ongoing review of visa issuing practices as they relate to our national security. Visa applications are now subject to a greater degree of scrutiny than in the past. For many applicants, a personal appearance interview is required as a standard part of visa processing. The need for an interview will mean additional coordination with the embassy or consulate is required to schedule an interview appointment. If additional processing is needed, visa applicants are informed at the time they submit their applications. While most additional processing takes 30 days or less, a small percentage may take considerably longer. So it is important to apply for your visa well in advance of your departure date.

As soon as you contemplate travel to the United States, and after identifying that a visa is needed, you should contact the US embassy or consulate for information about current visa processing time estimates and processes. Advance planning is a key ingredient for successfully having your visa when you want it. If you wish to attend the 16th TOFE meeting, plan to submit your visa application well in advance of your departure date. Please visit the Internet sites listed below for up-to-date visa information. The Department of State's recommended first source of visa information is the Visa Services Internet site. Please review this information carefully. It is also recommended that you review the Embassy Consular Internet site for the country where you will be applying for your visa.

As soon as you submit the abstract(s) (on or before May 1, 2004), contact the Technical Program Chair, Dr. Laila El-Guebaly (elguebaly@engr.wisc.edu), to receive a letter from the TOFE organizing committee that may help obtain the US visa.