Check out the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs for the most up-to-date information to apply for your U.S. VISA.
Individuals applying for a non-immigrant visa at the U.S. Embassy will be required to submit an electronic application form, known as the DS-160 Non-Immigrant Visa Electronic Application form.
The VISA Waiver Program (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less, without first obtaining a visa, when they meet specific requirements. Travelers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel. If you prefer to have a VISA in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor (B) VISA.
For VISA Invitation Letters from ETHDenver, please contact one of the following with the subject line: "VISA Support Letter for [Name of Sponsor Employee, Approved Speaker, Approved Mentor, Approved Judge]"
- Official ETHDenver 2024 Sponsor Employee: Reach out to your Sponsor Concierge
- Approved Speaker: Coming Soon
- Approved Mentor: Coming Soon
- Approved Judge: Coming Soon
The U.S Department of State has advised that "Invitation Letters" are no longer a factor used in determining approval of a travel visa. With this change, we urge all attendees requiring travel visas to kick-start their application process promptly.
U.S. Department of State Position on VISA Support Letters
Important Changes:
The U.S. Department of State has recently posted a statement about "invitation letters." The key takeaway is Visa decisions hinge largely on an applicant's overseas residency and connections. An invitation letter or Affidavit of Support isn't a requirement and is not one of the factors used in determining a visa.
Note: Visa applicants must qualify on the basis of the applicant's residence and ties abroad, rather than assurances from U.S. family and friends. A letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support is not needed to apply for a visitor visa. If you choose to bring a letter of invitation or Affidavit of Support to your interview, please remember it is not one of the factors used in determining whether to issue or deny the visa.