Meeting attendees from countries that require a visa to enter the United States are reminded that the process of obtaining a visa takes a minimum of three months. You are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and begin the application process early.

The U.S. State Department Web site includes visa information concerning temporary visitors to the U.S. that may be helpful to you.

New for 2009... Please note that the Department of Homeland Security is implementing the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, which is expected to be mandatory for Visa Waiver Program travelers. Complete information is available on the Visa Waiver Program page of the U.S. State Department Web site.

You may generate an official visa invitation letter (PDF) for the EMC 2009 Conference, which can be customized. To personalize the letter, follow the instructions in the file to type in the date, your name, address and other information in the appropriate places. Then, print the letter and submit this with other required documentation to appropriate Consulate/Embassy. Please note that this letter does not guarantee you will be granted a visa.

TMS cannot send the letter to an embassy or consulate for you nor can we contact the embassy or consulate on your behalf. It is the sole responsibility of the attendee to obtain the necessary paperwork for entry to the U.S. It is crucial for the success of the application to apply at least three months in advance.

TMS will contact program participants (abstract submitters) to follow-up on specific visa requirements and may provide customized letters and supporting documentation as needed.

For more information about EMC, complete the meeting inquiry form or contact:

TMS Meeting Services
184 Thorn Hill Road
Warrendale , PA 15086-7514 USA
Telephone (724) 776-9000, ext. 243
(800) 759-4TMS
Fax: (724) 776-3770
E-mail: mtgserv@tms.org