International Visitors

96th Scientific Assembly and Annual MeetinG

RSNA Welcomes International Attendees

A trip to the United States may require an additional degree of planning. This page provides international meeting attendees the essential information for planning a trip to the U.S.:

General Meeting Information

96th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting
November 28-December 3, 2010
McCormick Place Convention Center
2301 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60616 USA
Website: http://www.mccormickplace.com/

International Invitation Letter

If you must apply for a temporary non-immigrant visa to attend RSNA, you are advised to apply as soon as travel to the United States is contemplated and not later than 3-4 months in advance. APPLY EARLY! RSNA offers an official letter of invitation for RSNA 2010 attendees. The visa letter of invitation, though not required for the visa application, can assist as a supporting document. Present this letter of invitation from RSNA to the consular officer during the visa interview. This letter by no means guarantees admittance into the U.S., but can provide compelling evidence for immigration officials to consider. Please note that RSNA cannot intervene with either U.S. embassies abroad or with the U.S. State Department on behalf of any participant. The deadline has passed to request a personalized mailed invitation letter — email invite@rsna.org for details.

Visa Waiver Program

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. For more information go to travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html and click Visa Waiver program.

Travel Approval Required for Visa Waiver Countries

As of January 12, 2009, a valid ESTA approval is required for all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to travel to the United States. The Department of Homeland Security, Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a free, automated system used to determine the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the VWP. It collects the same information as the paper I-94W form that VWP travelers fill out en route to the United States. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel. An ESTA authorization generally will be valid for up to two years. Authorizations will be valid for multiple entries into the United States. DHS recommends that travelers submit an ESTA application as soon as they begin making travel plans. Learn more about ESTA

Updates

  • Effective January 20, 2010, the Department of Homeland Security is transitioning to enforced compliance of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) requirement for VWP travelers. Therefore, VWP travelers who have not obtained approval through ESTA should expect to be denied boarding on any air carrier bound for the United States.
  • Beginning September 8, 2010, US Customers and Border Protection will charge $14 for all new or renewed ESTA. The fees include a $4 administrative fee and a $10 travel promotion fee established by the Travel Promotion Act of 2009. More information regarding this fee can be found at http://www.cbp.gov/.

Tips for Successful Visa Applications

  • Include a letter of invitation from the meeting organizer (available in April).
  • When possible, provide proof of professional scientific and/or educational status, society membership and/or meeting registration.
  • Visa applicants are expected to provide evidence that they intend to return to their country of residence. Therefore, applicants should provide proof of binding or sufficient ties to their home country or permanent residence abroad. Visa applications are more likely to be successful if done in the visitor's home country.
  • Applicants should present their entire trip itinerary, including travel to any countries other than the United States, at the time of their visa application.
  • All applicants must be able to qualify for a visa on their own merits under the requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Useful Visa and Travel Websites

International Travel Packages

The official international travel provider at RSNA 2010, ESA Voyages, provides full service travel packages for individuals traveling from outside North America. Packages include: hotel room, airport transfers in Chicago, baggage handling at the hotel, daily American breakfast, local taxes and staff travel assistance. Click here for more information.