Tips for International Travelers

Important Visa Information for International Participants

ASCD welcomes our international attendees to ASCD Empower17: The Conference for Every Educator, in Anaheim, California, March 25–27, 2017.

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 Meeting 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 Empower17 conference.

Registration Confirmation: Once you have registered for the meeting, 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.

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.

Helpful Tools

• Consular Offices in Los Angeles, California
• Passports and Visas
• U.S. Customs and Import Restrictions
• U.S. Embassies and Consulates in Other Countries
• Universal Currency Converter
• Time Zones
• Southern California Weather