Visa Information

If you are traveling to District Leader Training and/or the International Convention from outside of the United States, you might be required to acquire a travel visa. Travel visas can take a substantial amount of time to procure, so please plan accordingly. Please note that entry and visa requirements differ depending on your country of citizenship and residency.

Visa Waiver Program

The Visa Waiver Program enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Please refer to this website to determine if you are from a Visa Waiver Program participating country.

Travelers under the Visa Waiver Program must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and have the correct type of passport prior to boarding a U.S.-bound air or sea carrier. You may apply for a valid ESTA at this website and confirm if you have the appropriate type of passport.

Applying for a United States Visa

If your country of citizenship does not fall under the Visa Waiver Program, you will need to apply for a United States visa. For the purpose of attending District Leader Training and/or the International Convention, the type of visa that will be needed falls under visa category B-2. You may refer to this website for more general information about United States visas.

Generally speaking, applying for a United States visa consists of three (3) main steps:

1. Completing the necessary paperwork for your visa application
2. Making an appointment at your local United States Embassy or Consulate
3. Attending your visa application appointment

The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

The main visa application form that you will need to complete to begin your visa application process is called a DS-160. Please refer to this website for more information about this form and how to appropriately complete it.

Electronically submitting your DS-160 online application is only the first step in the visa application process. Once you have electronically submitted your DS-160 online application, you must contact the embassy or consulate at which you wish to apply to confirm whether you need to be interviewed by a consular officer, and to schedule an interview. You can find a list of U.S. embassies and consulates here, with links to their websites where you can find information about scheduling a visa interview appointment.

Visa Appointment Wait Times

Advance travel planning and early visa application are important. Please refer to this site for more information on how long the expected wait time is at your local United States Embassy or Consulate.

Letter of Invitation

A Letter of Invitation may help to support your visa application. Click here if you require a letter of invitation to International Convention to assist in your visa process (or use the link https://forms.office.com/r/zieguxvt6G).

Important note: If needed, you will be able to request a more detailed Letter of Invitation (that includes District Leader Training information and dates) during the District Leader Training registration process.

Visa Links and Resources

Visa Waiver Program

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

Visitor Visa Information and Overview

DS-160: Frequently Asked Questions

Websites of U.S. Embassies, Consulates, Diplomatic Missions, and Offices Providing Consular Services

Visa Appointment Wait Times

Global Visa Wait Times

Fees for Visa Services

Letter of Invitation for International Convention

If you are planning to attend District Leader Training and/or International Convention and will require a visa to enter the United States, we strongly recommend beginning this process as soon as possible.