ASHA invites and welcomes audiologists and speech-language pathologists from every part of the world to attend and participate in the ASHA Convention.
(Attendees are not required to present sessions in order to attend the ASHA Convention. Please allow ample time for visa processing, as the application process can take several months in some countries.)
Requests for Letters of Invitation
Customized letters of invitation can be issued only to confirmed registrants, defined as those who have completed the online registration process (or mailed or faxed the paper form), have paid the meeting registration fees, and received a confirmation e-mail message.
The confirmation page in the online registration system will have a link located in the left menu to automatically generate a customized visa letter.
For security purposes, letters of invitation cannot be sent if you have not registered for the ASHA Convention. For nonmembers, we may ask for additional information such as a letter of employment or a letter of reference from a verified ASHA member. If you have questions, please contact us at registration@asha.org.
Helpful Links for International Visitors
Visa Application Tips
For those who must apply for a visa, here are some points to keep in mind to assist you with the process:
- Register for the ASHA Convention as soon as possible so your customized letter of invitation can be generated. Registration opens on August 1.
- Apply for your visa in advance (as many months as possible) of traveling. You should provide your entire trip itinerary, including travel to any countries other than the United States, at the time of visa application.
- If completion of travel plans is contingent upon early approval of the visa application, specify this at the time of the application.
- If you will be presenting a session at the ASHA Convention, provide proof that you are a presenting author (e.g., show documentation from ASHA such as your Call for Papers acceptance notification, and/or that you are listed as a presenting author on the presentation in the Program Planner). Notifications of acceptance/nonacceptance for presentation proposals submitted to the Call for Papers will be sent by July 20.
- Bring your English-language resume or curriculum vitae with a list of published articles and research topics to the U.S. consulate/embassy interview.
- Provide evidence that you are intending to return to your country of residence. This includes such information as
- family ties in current country of residence;
- property ownership;
- bank account; and/or
- an employment contract or statement from an employer showing that your position will continue after the dates of the meeting.
Requirements vary by passport-issuing country and by citizenship (not merely residency). Some consulates may have backlogs in scheduling visa interviews, so applicants should first contact their local consulate to determine what the wait times are for interviews.
Be Prepared for Your Visa Interview
Make sure you have all the necessary documentation with you at your interview. You will need the following:
- A valid passport
- Appropriate visa application forms
- Your entire trip itinerary, including travel to any countries other than the United States, at the time of your visa application
- Documents detailing employment status, reason for travel, and financial status. It is recommended that you provide proof of registration for the ASHA Convention and an official letter of invitation from ASHA (which may be generated upon completion of the registration process).
- Proof of previous visits to the United States
- Proof of professional scientific and/or educational status (students should provide a university transcript)
- Proof of payment of visa fees
- Any additional documents required by your local embassy or consulate
Questions?
E-mail us at registration@asha.org if you need more information or further assistance.