Visa Application Process
Meeting attendees from countries that require a visa to enter the United States are reminded that the process of obtaining a visa takes a minimum of three months. You are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and begin the application process early.

The U.S. State Department Web site includes visa information concerning temporary visitors to the U.S. that may be helpful to you.

Please note that the Department of Homeland Security is implementing the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, which is expected to be mandatory for Visa Waiver Program travelers. Complete information is available on the Visa Waiver Program page of the U.S. State Department Web site.

How to Generate a Visa Letter
To generate an official visa invitation letter for this conference, please select an option below based upon your attendee status. To personalize the letter, follow the instructions and type in the information in the appropriate places. Then, print the letter and submit it along with other required documentation to the appropriate Consulate/Embassy. Please note that this letter does not guarantee you will be granted a visa. If you need additional assistance, contact Phyllis Roessler at 1-724-776-9000 ext. 256 or email: proessler@tms.org

TMS cannot send the letter to an embassy or consulate for you nor can we contact the embassy or consulate on your behalf. It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to obtain the necessary paperwork for entry to the U.S. It is crucial for the success of the application to apply at least three months in advance. TMS may contact program participants (abstract submitters) to follow-up on specific visa requirements and may provide customized letters and supporting documentation as needed.

TMS Members Only International Travel Resources
An extensive online library of tools is available on the TMS Members Only home page for help with acquiring a visa and preparing for travel to meetings or business events in the United States. Select "International Travel" from the tool bar on the left after logging in to access to articles and information, as well as links to official government and agency resources, updates, forms, and websites.