International Visitors

November 30–December 5 • McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois

Welcome . . . Welkom . . . Bienvenue . . . Benvenuti . . . Boa vinda . . . Bienvenidos . . . Bem-vindo . . . Merhaba . . . Foon ying . . . Huan yin . . . Hwangyong-hamnida . . . Irashaimasu . . . Tervetuloa . . . Kalos orisate . . . Aloha mai . . . Swaagatam . . . Isten hozta . . . Selamat datang . . . Dobro pozhalovat' . . . Välkommen . . . Willkommen . . .

TRAVELING TO THE UNITED STATES

If you need to apply for a temporary non-immigrant visa to attend RSNA's 94th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, you are advised to apply for your visa as soon as travel to the United States is contemplated and not later than 3-4 months in advance. APPLY EARLY!

Invitation Letter: RSNA offers an official letter of invitation for RSNA 2008 attendees. The visa letter of invitation, though not required for the visa application, can assist as a supporting document. Present this letter of invitation from RSNA to the Consular Officer during the visa interview. This letter is by no means a guarantee for admittance into the U.S., but can provide compelling evidence for immigration officials to consider. Please note that the RSNA cannot intervene with either the U.S. Embassy abroad or with the U.S. State Department on behalf of any participant.

Visa Waiver Program: The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. For more information go to travel.state.gov/visa and click on Visa Waiver program.

US-VISIT: US-VISIT currently applies to all visitors (with limited exemptions) entering the United States. This includes visitors traveling under the Visa Waiver Program. Visitors are photographed and fingerprinted upon arrival. In 2008 The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) began collecting additional fingerprints from international visitors arriving at O'Hare International Airport (ORD). The change is part of the department's upgrade from two- to 10-fingerprint collection to enhance security and facilitate legitimate travel by more accurately and efficiently establishing and verifying visitors' identities. For more information go to www.dhs.gov/us-visit.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI): Implemented on January 23, 2007, all persons traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. For more information go to travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.

U.S. Visa Links

Do you require a Visa?	www.unitedstatesvisas.gov
How to apply for a Visa?	travel.state.gov/visa
Apply for a Visa online	evisaforms.state.gov/
Step-by-step guide	www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/obtainingvisa/index.html
Check on the status of a pending application	www7.nationalacademies.org/visas/
Travel Tips	www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/index.shtm
Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and Diplomatic Missions	usembassy.state.gov/

Tips for Successful Visa Applications

Include a letter of invitation from the meeting organizer (see "Invitation Letter" above).
When possible provide proof of professional scientific and/or educational status, society membership and/or meeting registration.
Visa applicants are expected to provide evidence that they are intending to return to their country of residence. Therefore, applicants should provide proof of binding or sufficient ties to their home country or permanent residence abroad. Visa applications are more likely to be successful if done in a visitor's home country.
Applicants should present their entire trip itinerary; including travel to any countries other than the United States, at the time of their visa application.
All applicants must be able to qualify for a visa on their own merits under the requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act.