International Travel

The 2023 Multidisciplinary Thoracic Cancers Symposium is a two-and-a-half day meeting featuring interactive case discussions; educational sessions on multidisciplinary therapies, new targeted therapies, immunotherapy, treatment and screening guidelines, supportive care and oral abstract sessions highlighting the most current, evidence-based practices. We welcome our international attendees and would like to serve as a resource for assistance with travel plans, documentation and all the details for your journey to the United States. We look forward to seeing you at the 2023 Multidisciplinary Thoracic Cancers Symposium!

Visa Process
Most citizens of foreign countries will need a visa to enter the United States. Please note that it may take up to three months to obtain a visa. For more information about obtaining a visa, please visit the U.S. State Department website. To receive your visa letter, you must be registered and paid in full before you can download your letter. To inquire about letters of invitation, please contact the Thoracic Registration Center.

Do you need a visa?
The Visa Waiver Program permits citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays up to 90 days without a visa. Visa Waiver Program travelers are required to apply for and obtain approval authorization via the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to traveling to the United States. To learn more about how to apply for ESTA authorization, visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

We encourage non-U.S. travelers who need a visa to enter the United States to begin the visa application process as soon as you register for the 2023 Multidisciplinary Thoracic Cancers Symposium. The application and interview process varies from country to country and can take up to 90 days to complete. After you register for the 2023 Multidisciplinary Thoracic Cancers Symposium, you will be provided a link where you may download a visa letter of invitation.

When does your U.S. visa expire?
If the traveler already has a U.S. visa appropriate for this travel, check the expiration date on the visa to make sure it will not expire before the planned travel date.

When does your passport expire?
In order to obtain a U.S. visa, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States, unless exempt by country specific agreements.

When should you apply for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa?
Non-U.S. citizens should apply for a U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa at least 90 days before their anticipated travel date. Visa processing times vary from country to country and can change depending on the time of year. Visit the U.S. State Department of State website for average processing and wait times.

Recent media reports have indicated that the Administration has instructed U.S. Consulates to request additional documentation from applicants for visas to the United States. This may include information concerning travel and work history as well as other details. We encourage travelers to familiarize themselves with these reports and factor in additional time for visa processing. For the latest information on U.S. visas, please visit the U.S. Department of State website.

How should you apply for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa?
Visit the website of the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country to find out the process for applying for a U.S. visa, and how long it will take.

Additional planning time beyond the guidelines above may be needed for visa applicants applying at some embassies because of the time required to schedule an interview appointment. Additionally, the wait times for a Nonimmigrant Visa do not include time for required security clearances or administrative processing, which may extend beyond the general timeframe guidelines.

For more information about obtaining a visa, please visit the U.S. Department of State website.

Visa Application Tips

  • Include a letter of invitation from the meeting organizer.
  • When possible, provide proof of professional scientific and/or educational status, society membership, and/or meeting registration.
  • Visa applicants are expected to provide evidence that they intend to return to their country of residence. Therefore, applicants should provide proof of binding or sufficient ties to their home country or permanent residence abroad.
  • All applicants must be able to qualify for a visa on their own merits under the requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
  • Learn more about applying for a visa. 

Disclaimer
While ASTRO believes this information is correct, it is being provided only as a free convenience to assist our international attendees. In no event will ASTRO accept any responsibility with respect thereto. International attendees are encouraged to periodically check the relevant U.S. government sources for the latest information and to conduct their own research into visa requirements. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice. If you have any specific questions regarding the type of visa you should be seeking, visa application process and/or have specific concerns, we advise you to contact a U.S. immigration law attorney and seek specific legal advice.

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