NICOP organizers strongly advises anyone who may need a visa to attend NICOP apply early. Visa applicants should apply at least 5 months in advance of the meeting. Security-related policies have greatly increased the processing time for visa applications. U.S. consular officers now usually interview applicants as part of the application process.

If you need a letter of invitation, or more information, please contact Helga Wilm <hwilm@iarc.uaf.edu>.

General information about visas:

The National Academies maintains a Web site ( http://www7.nationalacademies.org/visas/) about visa-related issues and travel information for U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens.

• Travel to the US: ( http://www7.nationalacademies.org/visas/Traveling_to_US.html)
• Travel from the US ( http://www7.nationalacademies.org/visas/Traveling_from_US.html)

The State Department maintains a Web site about U.S. visa policy and procedures ( http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/).

• Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for visitors traveling to the U.S.: ( http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/programs/content_multi_image_0021.shtm).
• Visas for students and exchange visitors in the U.S.: ( http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/studying.html)

The State Department has required citizens from VWP countries to obtain visas if they do not have machine-readable passports and they wish to visit the U.S. One-time exemptions are no longer available to VWP nationals who do not possess a machine-readable passport or a non-immigrant visa.