How to Obtain Your U.S. Visa

Step 1: Plan ahead. 

Current visa services and operations vary by country.  Check your local U.S. Embassy and Consulate’s website for information regarding operating status and which visa services it is currently offering.

If you’re a citizen of one of the 38 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, you may travel to the United States for tourism or business for 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.

Step 2: Request and register your letter of invitation. 

You must register for IBIE 2022 in order to receive the Letter of Invitation. During the registration process you will be asked if you need a Letter of Invitation, please indicate yes, provide your date of birth and passport number, and your Letter of Invitation will be emailed to you after you complete your registration and payment.

If you have any questions, contact Customer Service at [email protected] or call +1-864-412-4205 between the hours of 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET.

Print the Letter of Invitation in color and submit it to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate with your visa application.

Please note that this letter is supplementary information that explains an applicant’s intended travel purpose. U.S. Embassy officers look at the totality of an applicant’s personal and professional situation—the letter itself will not guarantee your application’s approval.

Step 3: Determine which type of visa you need. 

Your travel plans play a part in the type of visa you need (just business, or travel/tourism and business, etc.). You can use this online tool from the U.S. Department of State to determine which visa category is most appropriate.

International media visa requirements—Please note that members of the international media must have a non-immigrant media (I) visa to attend. Additionally, citizens from a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) who want to enter the United States temporarily as representatives of the foreign media, engaging in their profession as media or journalists, must first obtain a media visa to come to the United States. They cannot travel without a visa on the Visa Waiver Program, nor can they travel on a visitor (B) visa. For further information on the media (I) visa please click here.

Step 4: Complete the U.S. Visa Application form. 

See the U.S. Department of State’s website for the complete list of documents you may need for your application, then complete the U.S. State Department Online Non-immigration Visa Application. Once you complete the online application, a confirmation will be emailed outlining further instructions for an appointment.

Step 5: Schedule your visa appointment

Select your country of origin and create an online user account, if necessary. Then enter the confirmation number from your visa application and follow the instructions for application submission and required fees to schedule your interview.

Step 6: Prepare for your interview

Bring all of your materials related to IBIE to your interview, including your letter of invitation, hotel and plane reservation confirmations, your meeting schedule (if applicable) and any other documentation supporting your participation in the event. You should also be prepared to demonstrate strong ties to your country. Consular officers review your application and consider proof of business ownership or employment, social and family relationships and other evidence as proof that you will return to your country. If you have traveled to the U.S. or other foreign countries, you may also want to bring documentation showing that you returned on time.