VISA INTERVIEW SUGGESTIONS

Here are some suggestions for making your visa interview successful:

• Request a letter of invitation from the ADA immediately. The sooner you request your letter of invitation, the better. With recent changed in the immigration laws, it may take longer to apply for a visitor visa.
• Schedule an appointment with your embassy as soon as you receive your letter of invitation. Make your appointment early as wait times can be several months in some countries and make sure you have your letter of invitation available for your interview.
• Travel with an official delegation. The ADA Annual Session is a participant of the U.S. Department of Commerce's International Buyer Program. As such, official delegations to attend the Annual Session are often organized through the commercial sections of embassies. If you are interested in joining an official delegation, contact your local embassy and ask if the commercial trade specialist is organizing a delegation.
• Verify fees and requirements. Find out about visa fees and methods of payment accepted by the embassy or consulate. The Web site also contains information on other requirements such as photographs.
• Show proof of "strong ties" that bind you to your country of residence. The consular officers conducting interviews look for proof that you will return to your country. Evidence of "strong ties" includes proof of business ownership or employment, social and family relationships.
• If you have traveled to the U.S. previously, provide documentation demonstrating that you returned to your country on time. Use as airline ticket stub or boarding pass to shows your return flight or meeting materials that show you attended a business conference as proof that you returned within the timeframe you stated.
• With your application, include any ADA Annual Session materials that may have been sent to you. Include with your application any printed conference materials you received from the ADA to prove that the conference and exhibition is a legitimate business event.
• Present your entire trip itinerary with your application. Include any plans you may have to travel to any countries other than the United States, at the time of visa application.

Return to Top