IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR IWCE PARTICIPANTS APPLYING FOR A VISA

As a result of the September 11, 2001 attacks, the United States Department of State and other government agencies have been engaged in an extensive review of visa issuing practices as they relate to the national security. A greater degree of scrutiny is carried out on all visa applications, leading to longer delays. Although it is difficult to estimate the time needed for adjudication of each application, it is expected to be at least two months, and in some cases three or more.

We strongly recommend that all participants seeking to obtain a visa to attend the IEEE 10th Workshop on Computational Electronics start the application process as soon as possible. We also advise you to contact the local U.S. Consulate before beginning the visa process to obtain and follow all instructions. Any missing documentation will only delay the procedure even more. For details that may apply specifically to your country, see information posted by your nearest consulate or embassy. This is the easiest way to obtain information about consular section procedures and requirements.

The consular officers look for proof of legitimacy of travel and evidence the applicants will return to their country of residence after the meeting. Many visas are denied due to the lack of ties that would compel a return, and verbal warrantees don't count. Examples of "binding" proofs are family ties, evidence of employment, property ownership, or paid matriculation at college showing enrollment after return.

We recommend that you visit the www.UnitedStatesVisas.gov website, which is VERY helpful. Please note that participants from certain countries may be subject to additional background checks, known as "Visa Mantis" screenings, if the work or study is a field on the Technology Alert List (TAL) and will need additional time and documentation for their visa processing.

WEB RESOURCES

www.UnitedStatesVisas.gov

US Department of State: Consulate/Embassy Links

US Department of State: Visa Denials