Qualifying for a Visitors (B1 or B2) Visa
Applicants for visitor visas must show that they qualify under provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Applicants must demonstrate that they are properly classifiable as visitors under U.S. law.
The presumption in the law is that every visitor visa applicant is an intending immigrant. Therefore, applicants for visitor visas must overcome this presumption by demonstrating that:
- The purpose of their trip is to enter the U.S. for business ( like attending the ICDC Conference), pleasure, or medical treatment;
- They plan to remain for a specific, limited period;
- They have compelling social and economic ties to their home country; and
- They have evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States;
- They have Evidence of compelling social and economic ties to your home country; and
- They have a residence in their home country as well as other binding ties which will insure their return to their home country at the end of the visit.
Required Documentation
Each applicant for a visitor visa must submit these forms and documentation, and submit fees as explained below:
- An application, Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-156, completed and signed. The DS-156 must be the most current one, either the electronic "e-form application" or the non-electronic version. Select Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-156 to access both versions of the DS-156. You may also check with the Embassy Consular Section where you will apply to determine if the hard-copy DS-156 blank form is available, should you need it.
- A Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-157 provides additional information about your travel plans. Submission of this completed form is required for all male applicants between 16-45 years of age. You should know that a consular officer may require any nonimmigrant visa applicant to complete this form. Here is Form, DS-157.
- A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must make an application;
- One (1) 2x2 photograph. See the required photo format explained in Nonimigrant Photograph Requirements.
Recommended Documentation
Each applicant should have a complete set of documents to further prove that their intention is to return to the home country after the conference is complete. Often applicants feel that the information listed below is unnecessary, but in order to help insure the best chance to receive the visa
- Bring a resume to show your qualification to attend the conference.
- Bring the study schedule and all the documentation sent to you by the conference or printed from the web page.
- Bring financial documents like a bank statement, Housing ownership papers, pictures of a spouse or children who are remaining in the home country during the applicant’s trip to the US.
What are the Required Fees?
- Nonimmigrant visa application processing fee - Each applicant for a visitor visa must pay a nonrefundable US $100 nonimmigrant visa application processing fee
Interview Process
Applicants should be able to explain to the examining officer:
- Why they are attending the conference
- What they hope to get out of the conference
- Explain what their organization does, who their clients are
- Explain the value of the conference to them personally or to their organization
Additional Actions Required
Note it is extremely important to make appointments with the Visa section of the Consulate or Embassy at the earliest possible time. Timing is important since it takes several weeks for the approval process to be completed.
International Invitation Letter
Contact ICDC to receive a personalized invitation letter:
Email conference co-chair:
Ron Schlenker
R.C.S. Associates
25992 Via Viento
Mission Viejo, CA 92692
949-770-7737
acareercoach@cox.net
Sample Letter:
Dear International Visitor to the ICDC Conference,
We are pleased and honored to be able to extend an invitation to you to participate in the International Career Development Conference, in Los Angeles, California from November 5-9, 2008.
Los Angeles hosts the 2008 International Career Development Conference (ICDC) with the theme, Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future.
ICDC expands perspectives, adds tools to your professional toolbox, renews spirit and brain cells, and fosters connections to old friends and new friends alike. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to come to broaden your views of the career development world and relationships in a professional conference setting.
The conference and accommodation will be at the:
Hyatt Regency Century Plaza
2025 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Telephone: +1 310 228 1234
Fax: +1 310 551 3355
Reservations: +1 800 233 1234
Ask for ICDC rate when booking room
We are looking forward to meeting you and are excited that you will be participating. We are confident that the exchange of ideas and the personal contacts that you make will be valuable in your organization for years to come.
As soon as you receive this documentation, please make your visa appointment at the US Consulate or Embassy as soon as possible. Enclosed is a checklist of things to bring to the meeting with the US government officials. Please refer to the detailed instructions on the website for a checklist of the documents you will need to bring with you when you meet with the US government officials.
Sincerely,
Ron Schlenker and Robert Wendt
ICDC 2008 Conference Co-chairs
