If you are a non-U.S. resident, you may need a visa to enter the United States for Heart Rhythm 2008, the 29th Annual Scientific Sessions. To assist in your visa request, you may request a letter of invitation to attend Heart Rhythm 2008. If you already have a U.S. visa, please check the expiration date to make sure your visa will not expire before or during your planned travel dates.
The Visa Waiver Program
Most Canadian citizens and many citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries can come to the U.S. without a visa if they meet certain requirements. The following countries are currently in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP): Andorra, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for a full overview of the VWP. Note that visa waiver travelers from ALL 27 Visa Waiver Program countries must present a machine-readable passport at the U.S. port of entry to enter the U.S. without a visa. In addition, depending on when VWP travelers’ passports were issued, other passport requirements apply, including:
- Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended on or after 10/26/06 — requires integrated chip with information from the data page (e-Passport).
- Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended between 10/26/05 and 10/25/06 — requires digital photograph printed on the data page or integrated chip with information from the data page.
- Machine-readable passports issued or renewed/extended before 10/26/05 — no further requirements.
- Temporary, emergency, official and diplomatic passports are exempted from biometric digital photo and chip requirements, but must be machine-readable.
Please see the "Visa Waiver Program" page of the U.S. Department of State website for full details on VWP and links for information regarding passport requirements. the "Temporary Visitors to the U.S." page of he U.S. Department of State website is an excellent overall resource guide.
What about Canadian, Mexican or Bermudan citizens and VWP?
Canada, Mexico and Bermuda are not participants in the Visa Waiver Program. Currently, Canadian citizens need proof of both their identity and citizenship in order to apply for entry into the U.S., but do not require a nonimmigrant visa, except for certain specific purposes and instances. Citizens and permanent residents of Mexico generally must have a nonimmigrant visa or Border Crossing Card (also known as a "Laser Visa"). Citizens of the British Overseas Territories of Bermuda need proof of both their identity and citizenship in order to apply for entry into the U.S., but do not require a nonimmigrant visa, except for certain specific purposes and instances. For all three countries, please see the "Border Countries: Canada, Mexico and Bermuda" page of the U.S. Department of State website for full details and resources.
Obtaining a Visa
After identifying that a visa is needed, foreign travelers should contact the U.S. Embassy Consular Section in their country to determine visa processing timeframes, or visit the “Visa Wait Times for Interview Appointment” page of the U.S. Department of State website for an estimate. Advance travel planning and early visa application are important, since visa applications are subject to a greater degree of scrutiny than in the past. It is important to thoroughly review all information on the specific Embassy's Consular Section website for local procedures and instructions.
Society Visa Guideline Recommendations
The Heart Rhythm Society recommends following these guidelines for obtaining a visa for entry into the United States:
- Request a letter of invitation to attend the annual meeting from the meeting organizer. The invitation letter should specify the subject, location, and dates of the activity. This should be done five to six months prior to the meeting.
- Apply early. The visa application process can take up to six months to complete.
- Applicants should present their entire trip itinerary, including travel to any countries other than the United States, at the time of visa application.
- If completion of travel plans is contingent upon early approval of the visa application, specify this at the time of the application.
- Provide proof of scientific status.
- Provide meeting brochure and letter of invitation.
- Provide evidence that you intend to return to your country of residence; applicants should provide proof of "binding," or sufficient, ties to their home country or permanent residence abroad. This may include documentation of the following:
- family ties in home country or country of legal permanent residence
- property ownership
- bank accounts
- employment contract or statement from an employer stating that the position will continue after the dates of the meeting.
Please note that all foreign visitors will be fingerprinted and photographed upon arrival in the United States.
Requesting a Letter of Invitation
A letter of invitation does NOT guarantee the issuance of a visa. The decision to issue a visa is the sole judgment of the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The Society is unable to assist with the actual visa processing. Unfortunately, the Society cannot provide any financial support for travel, registration fees, or local expenses.
Request a Letter of Invitation from the Heart Rhythm Society to Heart Rhythm 2008 (this link will take you to a form to be completed online— fields marked with an asterisk * must be completed)
Heart Rhythm 2008 registration opens December 2007 for members and January 14, 2008 for nonmembers.
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