Visas

DISCLAIMER: The information on this webpage is provided as an information resource only. Reliance on any information appearing on this webpage is solely at your own risk. NYU, ISMIR and anyone involved in the organization of ISMIR 2016 will not be liable for any visa-related issues you may incur.

 

Do I need a visa to attend ISMIR 2016?

The best way to determine if you need a visa is the US government’s official visa wizard: https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en.html

Below are some common cases, but you should always double check using the visa wizard:

  • If you are a citizen or eligible national of a Visa Waiver Program country (most but not all European countries and several non-European countries), you can apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which allows you travel to the US for a limited period of time without a US visa. The list of eligible countries and the ESTA application form can be found here: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/.
  • Otherwise, you probably need a visa!

Note that even if you’re eligible for an ESTA your application could still be rejected, and so it is recommended to apply for an ESTA early in case it’s rejected and you need to apply for a visa.

 

What type of visa should I apply for?

If you are eligible for a visa wavier (ESTA), you should not apply for a visa, and instead apply for a visa waiver (ESTA): https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/.

If you require a visa to enter the US, you probably need a Visitor business visa (B1), however, you should always consult the visa wizard.

 

When should I apply for a visa?

As soon as possible. If you are eligible for an ESTA, the (online) application is usually accepted/rejected immediately. Otherwise (or if your ESTA application is rejected), you need to apply for a US visa, which involves (among other steps) scheduling and attending an interview at your local US embassy (or, in some cases, Consulate), and waiting for your passport to be mailed back to you with the visa. Some US embassies are very busy and you may have to book your appointment several weeks in advance.

 

How do I apply for a visa?

You should use the visa wizard to determine which visa to apply for. Once you are referred to the correct visa page, follow the “How to Apply” instructions. It is essential to follow the application instructions down to the last detail, otherwise your application could be rejected. For example, if your photo doesn’t meet the requirements specified by your US embassy, it might not be accepted.

 

Can ISMIR 2016 provide me with an invitation letter?

ISMIR 2016 can provide you with a formal invitation letter once you have registered for the conference. If you require an invitation letter, please write to ismir2016-local@ismir.net  (after registering!) with subject title “Visa Invitation Letter” from the same email address you used for registration and provide:

  • Full Name:
  • Institution:
  • Position:
  • Date of Birth:
  • Country (on passport):
  • Passport No:
  • Passport expiry date:
  • Email:
  • Title(s) of accepted paper(s) if you have any

An invitation letter does not guarantee that your visa application will be accepted. It is also not a replacement for any of the documents required by your local US embassy as specified on their website. Requests for invitation letters from anyone not registered for ISMIR 2016 will be ignored.

 

I still have questions, who should I contact?

ISMIR 2016 cannot provide any further visa-related information beyond that provided on this page. Please do not contact the ISMIR 2016 organization with visa-related questions as they will not be answered. For any inquiries you should consult your local US embassy’s website.