We strongly recommend international attendees begin the visa application process as early as possible if required for your travel. Visa appointment wait times are currently extended, and processing timelines can vary significantly by location.
Please review the current global visa wait times here before starting the visa application process.
Applying for a Visa
Business (B-1) visas are typically used for attending educational or professional conferences. However, visa requirements can vary, so we recommend confirming the appropriate visa type with your local U.S. embassy or consulate before starting your application.
Because visa processing timelines vary by location and demand, we strongly encourage applicants to begin the process as early as possible to avoid delays. Additional tools and resources related to visa applications are available below:
- Visa Wizard
- U.S. Visa Overview
- Business Visa Center
- Check Visa Wait Times
- Locate Your U.S. Embassy or Consulate
- Visa FAQs
How to Apply
Applying for a U.S. visa involves several steps, which may vary depending on your local U.S. embassy or consulate. Please consult the instructions provided on your U.S. embassy or consulate’s website to ensure that all required steps are completed in the correct order.
For questions related to visas or the application process, you may contact the U.S. Department of State at businessvisa@state.gov or by phone at +1 (202) 485-7675, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).
Visa Waiver Programs
Annual Meeting attendees traveling from a Visa Waiver Country must meet all eligibility requirements outlined by the U.S. Department of State, ensure that their Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is approved and up to date, and travel with a valid e-passport.
Additional Visa Waiver Program resources:
- Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) FAQs
- Visa Waiver Program Information
- Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)
- Information on e-Passports
- FAQs on the Visa Waiver Program and ESTA
COVID-19
For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 and international travel, please visit the CDC website.
Annual Meeting Invitation Letters
Official invitation letters may be requested by all participants accepted to the Annual Meeting program, including both APSA members and non-members. If you are not on the program as a presenter, author, or other participant, please instead use your meeting registration receipt (once available) as supporting documentation for your visa application, where applicable.
Please note that APSA provides official invitation letters for visa application purposes only. If you require a letter for another purpose, see the justification letter information below.
Annual Meeting Justification Letters – coming soon!
APSA recognizes that obtaining travel approval or funding from your university or organization can be challenging, particularly given limited travel budgets. To help support your request, APSA provides customizable justification letter templates for members, non-members, and community college faculty that highlight the professional value and benefits of attending the APSA Annual Meeting.
Access Your Registration Receipt
Once registration opens, APSA sends receipts to the email address associated with your account at time of purchase. Receipts can also be accessed through your MyAPSA account by logging in, navigating to your profile, locating the relevant transaction under “Recent Orders,” and selecting the “View” icon for that receipt.
Additional Resources
- ACLU | Can Border Agents Search Your Electronic Devices?
- ACLU | Know Your Rights: Enforcement at the Airport
- Electronic Frontier Foundation | Digital Privacy at the U.S. Border
- Electronic Frontier Foundation | Digital Privacy at the U.S. Border (Extended Guide)
- Electronic Frontier Foundation | EFF Border Search Printable Pocket Guide
- Freedom of the Press Foundation | Your Border Digital Security Checklist
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection | U.S. Travelers’ Top Ten Travel Tips