WFNS 2009 - XIV World Congress of Neurological Surgery, August 30

International Attendee Information

Visa Information

Letter of Invitation
Individuals requiring an official letter of invitation in order to obtain a visa and authorization to attend the World Congress may click the link below or contact the Meetings Department at

AANS Meetings Department
5550 Meadowbrook Drive
Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008-3852, USA

or

Phone: 011-1-847-378-0529
Email: Meetings@aans.org
Fax: 011-1-847-378-0629

The letter of invitation does not financially obligate the World Congress organizers in anyway. All expenses incurred in relation to the Congress are the sole responsibility of the attendee.

Letter of Invitation

Visitors/Non-Immigrants Traveling to Boston
Many citizens from other countries are required to obtain a visa to enter into the United States. For the most up-to-date information and step-by-step guide visit: www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/obtainingvisa/index.html.

Apply early for your visa. It is recommended that you submit your application at least six to nine months in advance of the meeting. If you are required to obtain a visa please visit: www.unitedstatesvisas.gov.

Yes I need a visa. How do I apply? Visit www.travel.state.gov/visa.

What is the status of my visa application of more than 20 days after interview date? Visit www7.nationalacademies.org/visas and select the Questionnaire button.

Visa Waiver Program

U.S. Visa Waiver Program Expands
The U.S. Visa Waiver Program—which allows citizens of certain countries to travel
to the United States for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa—has been expanded
to include the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia, and
South Korea.

All Visa Waiver Program travelers, regardless of age or type of passport used, must present machine-readable passports. In addition, depending on when Visa Waiver Program travelers’ passports were issued, other passport requirements will apply:

	•		Machine-readable passports issued before 10/25/05 – no further requirements
	•		Machine-readable passports issued 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 on or after 10/26/06 – requires integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).

Tips for Successful Visa Applications
Visa applicants are expected to provide evidence that they are intending to return to their country of residence. Therefore, 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 employer stating that the position will continue when the employee returns

Visa applications are more likely to be successful if done in a visitor’s home country than in a third country.

	•		Applicants should present their entire trip itinerary, including travel to any countries other than the United States, at the time of their visa application.
	•		Include a letter of invitation from the meeting organizer or the U.S. host, specifying the subject, location and dates of the activity. (Invitation Letter link)
	•		Provide specifics on how travel and local expenses will be covered
	•		If travel plans will depend on early approval of the visa application, specify this at the time of the application
	•		Provide proof of professional scientific and/or educational status (students should provide a university transcript).