International Travelers
As an international visitor planning to attend the MontaVista VISION 2007 Conference, you should begin the process of applying for a U.S. visa immediately. It may take up to four months to obtain a visa for entry in to the United States. The U.S. Department of State has current visa updates available as well as special notices on the current situation for processing visas.
When applying for a U.S. visa it is very important to be very specific about your business agenda, providing a complete itinerary of meetings and locations while in the United States. To download the U.S. visa application form (Form DS-0156) in a PDF format, click here.
You many want to include a letter of invitation, from MontaVista, with your U.S. visa application. An official letter of invitation may be requested when you register for VISION 2007 by checking the box indicated on the Conference registration form. Be sure to include your fax number and full birth name on the form. The letter of invitation will be faxed to you shortly after your registration is processed and payment has been received.
To qualify for a U.S. visa to attend VISION 2007, applicants must show the following:
- Purpose of trip is to enter the U.S. for business
- Plan to remain for a specific, limited period; and
- Have a residence outside of the U.S. as well as other binding ties that will ensure return abroad at the end of your U.S. visit.
U.S. Department of State Visa Waiver Program
Visitors to Vision 2007 from the 27 countries currently participating in the Visa Waiver Program may be eligible to visit the U.S. on business or tourism for 90 days without a visa.
Visa Waiver Program (VMP)
All VWP travelers will be required to have a machine-readable passport (MRP) in order to enter the United States without a visa. For additional details on the Visa Waiver Program, see the State Department's Visa Waiver Program webpage here.
Canadian Citizens and Landed Immigrants
Generally, Canadian citizens do not need a visa. Although a passport is not required to enter the United States except after a visit outside the Western Hemisphere), all travelers should be prepared to present documentary evidence of identity (government-issued photo identification) and citizenship (i.e., passport, birth certificate, citizenship certificate). The following Canadian citizens require a visa: treaty trader, treaty investor, the fiancée of a U.S. citizen. As of 17 March 2003, citizens of Ireland and British Commonwealth countries resident in Canada or Bermuda will require a visa, unless they are a national of a country under the Visa Waiver Program. Additional information on entry and visa requirements for Canadian Citizens:
U.S. Embassy in Ottawa
Other Helpful Links:
USA Visa Policy
Visa Waiver Program
Complete Visa Information
Local Embassy
Travel Tips