Visa

The U.S. has updated its visa policies to increase security. It will likely take you longer to get a visa than it used to, and you will find that a few new security measures have been put into place. For details that may apply specifically to your country, see information posted by your nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy. It is critical that you begin this process as early as possible to avoid frustration and disappointment.

First, begin by reviewing your visa status to find out if you need a U.S. visa or visa renewal, then submit your visa application well in advance of your intended departure date. Contact your nearest US Embassy or consulate for the current time estimates and specific recommendations. Visit the Embassy or consular section website to find important information on how to schedule an appointment and pay fees. An interview is required as a standard part of processing for most visa applications. Plan on having finger scans as part of the visa application process. Two Index-finger scans are normally collected by the consular officer at the visa interview window, in some countries; they may be collected prior to the actual visa interview.

If a visa is required based on your country of origin, your country may also request a letter from the IEEE conference to verify a participant’s attendance at the event. Some embassies may need to verify that registration fees have been paid in full and may require applicants to appear in person for an interview, causing delays in the application process. Applicants affected by these procedures are informed that additional screening is needed.

The IEEE guidelines for providing visa invitation letters are as follows:

 

Visa letters will only be issued to:

  • Speakers/presenters
  • Committee members
  • Attendees who have paid their registration fee in full and are not from one of the countries embargoed by the US Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control
  • Exhibitors who have paid their exhibitor/patron package fee in full

 

Visa invitation letters provided by the conference organizer will state these facts:

  • Conference title, dates, and location
  • That the requester has paid the required registration fee in full
  • COMPEL conference organizers will provide visa invitation letters for registered international authors and attendees who have paid in full.

You will receive your visa letter once you have registered. You do not need to make a separate request.

Questions? Please contact ece-compel2023@umich.edu.