Visa Information

For questions, please contact registration@apec-conf.org.

We strongly encourage all attendees planning to attend the APEC Conference and in need of a Visa to apply as early as possible. You can review the U.S. Department of State’s Global Visa Appointment Wait Times site to check for estimated interview appointment wait times.

Visa Letter Requests

Visa letter requests are managed through the APEC registration system when you register for the conference. You must be registered and paid in full before any letter can be issued.

It is IEEE policy to only issue a Visa Letter of Invitation to:

  • Speakers/presenters
  • Committee members
  • Attendees who have paid their registration fee in full and are not from one of the countries embargoed by the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control
  • Exhibitors who have paid their exhibitor/patron package fee in full

Invitation letters provided by the conference will state these facts:

  • Conference title, dates, and location
  • That the requester has paid the required registration fee in full
  • Registration confirmation number

IEEE does not issue any letter of sponsorship or letter of guarantee if you are required to do so by the immigration department. All questions and concerns regarding the status of your visa are to be directed to the embassy/consulate.

This letter does not guarantee admittance into the U.S. but can provide supporting evidence for immigration officials to consider. Please note IEEE cannot intervene with either U.S. embassies abroad or with the U.S. State Department on behalf of any participant.

Applying for a Visa

Please visit the U.S. Department of State’s website for complete information on how to apply for a visitor visa. Because the visa process involves multiple steps that may be time consuming, it is critical that you apply for your visa well in advance of your travel dates.

You should also visit your local U.S. embassy or consular office website where you will apply for your visa. There you can find out how to schedule an interview appointment, pay fees, ensure you obtain appropriate documentation, and any other instructions.

Visa Waiver Program

The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating countries to visit the United States without a visa for stays of 90 days or less if they meet the program’s requirements. Information about the Visa Waiver Program, including a list of participating countries and program requirements, can be found on U.S. Department of State’s Visa Waiver Program. Travelers using the Visa Waiver Program must also have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel and meet all program requirements.

Disclaimer

APEC provides the above information to help foreign travelers understand the process and requirements of obtaining visas to visit the United States. The information is accurate to the best of our knowledge. However, there are considerable variables to the visa application process based on your country of origin’s rules and regulations.

Please be advised APEC does not have any influence on government decisions related to Visa applications. We can neither advise you on what steps you should take nor speak to anyone on your behalf.