Obtaining a Visa to Visit MMM
If you will be traveling into the United States on a visa, please
take note of the following.
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Since
the beginning of 2003, the entry process is more difficult and prolonged
than in the past (the process may take as long as 3 months, and sometimes
longer). Early planning is the best method to obtaining your visa in
time. A good website with information on the process and contact information
is: http://www.UnitedStatesVisas.gov
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Contact
the United States Consulate or Embassy in your country. Find out what
exactly is needed in terms of documentation and presentation. Each consulate
has different expectations.
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The
U.S. Department of State has mandated that nearly all applicants for
non-immigrant visas (such as J-1, H-1, and B visas) undergo a personal
interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate as part of the visa application
procedure. *
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Call
the Embassy or Consulate early to schedule your interview. They will
usually set a date and you will have time beforehand to gather all
the documentation necessary.
If you would like an invitation letter from us which states the purpose
of your travel, please request one as early as possible. This can be requested
via email (workshop@ucar.edu). When
requesting an invitation letter, please:
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Request
the invitation early enough so that we can get it to you prior to your
interview (you will need this invitation for the visa interview, not
for the application process, so you can start the visa application without
the invitation letter).
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Supply
us with a fax number, so we can fax the invitation to you.
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If
you wish to receive the original also, please mention that in the email
and include the address to which the letter should be sent. (The faxed
copy can be used in the visa interview.
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Even
the visa waiver process sometimes requires an invitation letter. Verify
what is needed before you go to the airport.
If you need any assistance in the process, please contact
us, we will be happy to assist you in whatever way we can.
* Often the application will be sent
to other agencies for review, delaying the process more. Some countries are
requiring a registration process to insure the visitor complies with the
term of the visa.