The U.S. visa application process is significantly different than the process in many other countries. The following guidance is intended for delegates planning to attend U.S.-hosted meetings to more clearly understand the process for application. If you require a visa, it is very important to apply early as many locations have long waits for interviews. Do not wait to apply for a visa until after the preceding 3GPP meeting. Apply for the visa as soon as possible after receiving this invitation and the necessary paperwork. 

Step One: Be Informed  

We urge you to carefully review all the information on procedures for non-immigrant visa application provided by the U.S. State Department. The following online location provides an official source of information about U.S. visa policy and procedures: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html  

Please follow all instructions provided on the website for your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate General website to avoid costly delays.  

U.S. visa policy permits citizens of certain countries to travel to the U.S. without a visa. For information about whether you may require a visa, please find such information at the following location online:  

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html

Please remember that your application must be submitted through the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. The following is a link to the list of all U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide: https://www.usembassy.gov/  

Step Two: Apply Early  

Due to potentially long wait times for a visa interview and possible requirements for additional processing, applicants are encouraged to begin the visa application process as early as possible. You can find the interview wait times in your location from the following site: 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html

Use this information to apply so that your interview can be scheduled no less than 30 days and ideally at least 90 days in advance of the intended travel. Wait times for a visa interview can range from a few days to months, depending on location and time of year.  

Applicants engaged in certain sensitive scientific or technical fields may be subject to additional administrative processing procedures, which can add additional time to the visa application procedures, in some cases up to 120 days.  

Step Three: Be Prepared  

Applicants for U.S. visas should come to the visa interview with a thorough understanding of their travel plans and logistics. They should bring their invitation letter, copies of meeting agendas, travel itineraries and other documents on official letterhead, as well as documentation to help demonstrate “strong ties” to their home country. For information on what constitutes “strong ties”, please see: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/visa-denials.html.