Chicago, Illinois
March 16–18, 2019
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Tips for International Travelers

The information on this page is for Empower19 in Chicago, Illinois. Check back in September for information about the 2020 ASCD Empower Conference, which will be held March 13–16, 2020, in Los Angeles, California.

Important Visa Information for International Participants

ASCD welcomes our international attendees to ASCD Empower19: The Conference for Every Educator, in Chicago, Illinois, March 16–18, 2019.

Consulates in some countries take several months to process applications, so please begin your visa application process as soon as possible.

We highly recommend that you apply for the U.S. visa three to four months in advance.

Attendance Verification Documentation

Official Letter of Invitation for Conference Attendees: This letter will be generated only after your registration has been confirmed. You can submit this letter with your visa application to verify the name, dates, location, and purpose of the ASCD Empower19 conference.

Registration Confirmation: Once you have registered for the conference, you will receive an e-mail confirmation that you can refer to during your visa interview.

Travelers from the 37 Countries with Visa Waivers

As of April 1, 2016, you must have an e-passport to use the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). An e-passport is an enhanced secure passport with an embedded electronic chip. The chip can be scanned to match the identity of the traveler to the passport. You must also have a passport that is valid for at least six months after your planned departure from the United States (unless exempted by country-specific agreements).

Important Notice: Travelers in the following categories are no longer eligible to travel or be admitted to the United States under the VWP:

  • Nationals of VWP countries who have traveled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011 (with limited exceptions for travel for diplomatic or military purposes in the service of a VWP country).
  • Nationals of VWP countries who are also nationals of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.

For more information about the VWP and to see if you are eligible, visit the U.S. State Department's VWP Page.

Registration Refunds Due to a Visa Denial

If your visa has been denied and you would like to be considered for a registration refund, please make sure you have one of the following:

  • An official denial document from the U.S. consulate.
  • A stamped copy of your application form showing the date when you applied and the date that your visa application was denied.

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