Letter of Invitation

Individuals requiring letters of invitation to obtain travel visas can complete the online request form.

Important Information

• Your name must be listed exactly as it appears on your passport. Any differences between the name on your passport and the name on your invitation letter or other documentation could lead to a delay and/or denial of your visa.
• If you are presenting a paper, include the title and session in which the paper will be presented. Authors should not wait until their paper is accepted to request a visa invitation letter.
• Please note that each individual requesting an invitation letter must fill out a separate form.
• All letters of invitation will be sent by a locked PDF unless otherwise requested. If you require a paper copy, please provide a courier account number or credit card number with expiration date with the original request.
• Optica reserves the right to request further information regarding the company or affiliation of the attendee to ensure the validity of requests.
• Optica is unable to contact U.S. Embassies in support of an individual attempting to gain entry to attend a meeting.
• We recommend that you secure your travel visa before registering for the conference as cancellations after the preregistration cutoff may result in a cancellation fee.

You should receive an invitation letter via email shortly after completing the form. For questions about invitation letters, send an email to invitations@optica.org.

Visa Information 

If you need a travel visa, begin the visa application process now. The application process can take up to six (6) months or more. We strongly encourage you to apply for your visa as early as possible, but no later than three months before you wish to enter the United States. Strict security requirements may cause delays in visa processing.

Learn more about the visa application process. >

Resources

• U.S. Customs and Border Information
• VWP and ESTA: Frequently Asked Questions
• U.S. State Department Visa Information
• Department of Homeland Security
• National Academies International Visitors Office

ESTA Application

ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Authorization via ESTA does not determine whether a traveler is admissible to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers determine admissibility upon a traveler's arrival. The ESTA application collects biographic information and answers to VWP eligibility questions. ESTA applications may be submitted at any time prior to travel, though it is recommended that travelers apply as soon as they begin preparing travel plans or prior to purchasing airline tickets.

Learn more about an ESTA application. >