Everything you need to know about a conference visa
As a facilitator for return tickets and travel itineraries for visa applications, we get a lot of questions from people interested in conference visas for the USA, specifically about which types to request and qualification requirements. We are going to talk about the B1 type visa, what it’s meant for, and why you might want to add a B2 portion if you are visiting America for a business conference.
What is a conference visa?
A conference visa is just a visitor visa for attending a conference in a foreign country. For many countries, including the U.S., this visa category is a temporary resident visa to attend an international conference or special event. International conferences or special events include both business-related and personal or entertainment stuff. The visa can be used to attend business conferences, exhibitions, trade shows, fairs, scientific expeditions, political summits, as well as entertainment and sporting events.
Types of conference visas for the USA
The U.S. government offers various types of conference visas for different types of business, art, entertainment, sporting, and personal activities. Here’s a look:
- B1 visa. Reserved for business activities such as meetings, negotiations, and conferences
- B2 visa. Reserved for medical care visits or seeing family and friends
- P1. Reserved for athletes, entertainers, and members of entertainment group
- P2. Reserved for artists and entertainers in international exchanges
- P3. Reserved for artists and entertainers in culturally unique programs
If you are going to the U.S. for a conference seminar, you’d likely request a B1 visa, although you might still need the B2 if your plans include some leisure or personal activities. For P1/P2/P3 visitors, you already have the carte blanche to compete, perform, or attend any conference in the USA. You only need the B2 visa if you plan to step outside what’s allowed in your conference visa.
What are the requirements for a visa to attend a conference in the USA?
A USA conference visa application requires filling and submitting a DS-160 form, which can be done online. Once you get a confirmation to take your interview, schedule an appointment with the consulate or embassy and pay the visa application fee. To qualify for this visa, you’ll need:
- A valid passport
- Clear conference details including a letter of invitation from the organizers with accurate dates, location, and purpose of the event.
- Proof of strong work and familial ties to your country
- Solid proof of funds for travel, accommodation, meals, etc.
- A travel itinerary
How long does it take to get a conference visa USA?
It takes anywhere from 3 weeks to 4 months to process temporary resident visas depending on your nationality, the purpose of your visit, how long you plan to stay, and the specific regulations that apply. To get the visa to attend a conference in the USA, you may need to demonstrate that the conference is for professional development within your field of work and that you don’t plan to overstay your visa.
Depending on your situation, you may also be eligible for special visas, such as the J1 Exchange Visitor Visa for U.S. government-sponsored events, A1 visas for people representing their government in U.S.-based conferences, and the O-1 visa for exceptionally gifted artists or scientists
Conclusion
A conference visa in the USA may be open to a wide variety of purposes, but it’s one of the hardest to get because your situation has a lot of say rather than your purpose of travel. Ensure that your entire resume, including your education, travel history, social ties, savings, and financial situation is solid. Use the 214(b) guidelines to improve your situation for the visa.