Programs and Events

Travel and Visa Information

Travel Information
For programs conducted in Washington, D.C., fly into either Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI).  Quick and convenient Metro/subway service is available from Ronald Reagan National Airport into downtown Washington, D.C.  Shuttle service is available from all three airports into downtown Washington, D.C.  For programs conducted outside of Washington, D.C. please check the specific page about the program for travel information.

Visa Information
If you are from a country not participating in the Visa Waiver Program and if you do not currently have a valid visa for travel to the United States, it will be necessary to apply for a Non-Immigrant (B) or “visitor” visa. 

Travelers from a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) do not need a visa to travel to the United States for an IUSLAW program.  However, they do need a machine readable passport to enter the United States.  For more information about the Visa Waiver Program, go to http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html.

Where to apply for a Visitor Visa
Applicants for visitor visas generally should apply at the American Embassy or Consulate in their country of permanent residence.  Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence.

A list of US embassies and consulates throughout the world can be found at: http://usembassy.state.gov. If your passport contains a previously issued visitor visa, you should inquire about special expedited procedures available at most consular offices for issuance of a new visitor visa.

Visa Application Process
The visa application process is handled differently in each country.  The following Internet address provides links to the U.S. embassies and consulates throughout the world: http://usembassy.state.gov.  Through this link, you can obtain the specific information you need to apply for a visa in your country.

How early should I apply?
Due to the September 11 tragedy, obstacles to obtaining a visa have increased, resulting in special processing requirements that can cause delays of up to three to six weeks.  All IUSLAW participants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Qualifying for a Visa
The visa application process varies from embassy to embassy and there is no guarantee that a visa will be issued.  Your chances are improved by submitting as much relevant documentation as possible to demonstrate your intentions of returning to your home country.  United States immigration law is based on a presumption that a foreign traveler to the U.S. is intending to emigrate permanently to the U.S.  Visa applicants must overcome this presumption by showing:

• a valid purpose for the trip;
• plans to remain only for a specific, limited period;
• strong ties to the resident country to compel their return.

This last requirement is very important.  No matter how credible the purpose, if you cannot show strong financial, social and cultural ties to your country, the visa application can be denied.
It should also be noted that, under the B visa, neither salary nor payment can be received from a person or business in the U.S.

How can IUSLAW help? 
IUSLAW regularly provides letters of invitation for specific programs for those participants who are experiencing difficulty in obtaining their visas.  If you would like to attend an IUSLAW program in the U.S. but need a letter of invitation, do not hesitate to contact us at info@iuslaw.org to request one.  Note that IUSLAW will only issue an invitation letter after an applicant has been accepted to participate in an IUSLAW program.