NOTE: This information is subject to change, and it is best to check early with the US embassy in your home country for up-to-date guidance. You may also obtain information at the US National Academy Website. In order to enter the U.S. you must have a machine-readable passport.
Under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) citizens of participating countries may enter the U.S. for short-term business or tourist visits without having to obtain B-1 and/or B-2 visa stamps at the U.S. Embassies or Consulates. The VWP is administered by the airlines; both U.S. and foreign carriers participate. If your country does not participate in the VWP, you must obtain a B-1 visa before entering the U.S. Criteria for eligibility for the VWP are:
Countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
No extension of stay or change to another visa status is available. Travelers need to express the purpose of their visit to the immigration officer at their port of entry to obtain a WB status on their I-94 arrival/departure card. Note: Status and length of stay as a visitor to the US is by what is written on the I-94 card by the INS officer upon entry.
The WB visitor (equivalent to the B-1 visitor for business) is on assignment in the U.S. as a representative of their foreign employer. No U.S.-based salary or fellowship payments are permitted. However, reimbursement of normal and unusual expenses, for business purposes is permitted.
Citizens of countries not participating in the Visa Waiver Program will need to request a Business (B-1) visa at the nearest U.S. Consulate. Please present at the Consulate evidence of coming to the United States to attend the Conference. We urge you to do this EARLY, as there are currently up to four month delays in this process. Official letters of invitation (without financial commitment) to help overcome administrative difficulties in some countries can be sent upon written request to the conference administrator, Patti Kobayashi, via e-mail at: ecris04@lbl.gov, or by calling +1-510-486-7849.