What type of US Visa do I need to attend campus visit as accepted student?

[gentlechaos]

So - PhD accepted, need to attend Campus Visit. 

Could anyone help? Thanks

[TakeruK]

This totally depends on what country you are from. I'd start here: http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english.html and use the "Visa wizard" to determine this. At the same time, I would ask your department to put you in touch with the school's International office, because they would know exactly what you need. They might also need to provide some documentation for you to get your visa as well. I would begin right away in case this takes some time. 

 

Many countries are on a Visa waiver program with the US so fill out the wizard (asks you where you are from and why you are visiting). If you need a visa, it will likely be a B-1 or B-2 class visa (http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/visit/visitor.html). The Visa Waiver program countries for the B class visa is listed here: http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/visit/visa-waiver-program.html. Note that some countries (e.g. Canada and Mexico) have other agreements with the US and these citizens also do not need a visa, but they are not listed on this program!

 

Note: I'm not an immigration expert and even these US government websites might not cover whatever special cases you might have. I would strongly encourage you to ask whoever invited you to visit about visa requirements and get them to put you in touch with the school's international office because they are the experts!

[beyondaboundary]

Once you don't qualify with the Visa waiver program, its going to be the B1 for business/pleasure. Use the letter you got from the school inviting you as the basis of your application and the department info as destination etc.  Just got mine, missing the welcome weekend but going soon after. Hope this helps.

[gentlechaos]

This totally depends on what country you are from. I'd start here: http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english.html and use the "Visa wizard" to determine this. At the same time, I would ask your department to put you in touch with the school's International office, because they would know exactly what you need. They might also need to provide some documentation for you to get your visa as well. I would begin right away in case this takes some time. 

 

Many countries are on a Visa waiver program with the US so fill out the wizard (asks you where you are from and why you are visiting). If you need a visa, it will likely be a B-1 or B-2 class visa (http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/visit/visitor.html). The Visa Waiver program countries for the B class visa is listed here: http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/visit/visa-waiver-program.html. Note that some countries (e.g. Canada and Mexico) have other agreements with the US and these citizens also do not need a visa, but they are not listed on this program!

 

Note: I'm not an immigration expert and even these US government websites might not cover whatever special cases you might have. I would strongly encourage you to ask whoever invited you to visit about visa requirements and get them to put you in touch with the school's international office because they are the experts!

 

Once you don't qualify with the Visa waiver program, its going to be the B1 for business/pleasure. Use the letter you got from the school inviting you as the basis of your application and the department info as destination etc.  Just got mine, missing the welcome weekend but going soon after. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks a lot - this is really helpful. I was suspecting it's B, but somehow got confused. Will ask I. Office still.