The following is brought to you by the Stanford Local Organizing Committee in collaboration with Stanford Global Risk.
IMPORTANT: If you plan on attending, begin your U.S. visa process today. Delaying could risk missing critical appointment availability. The following advice applies to all ATypI attendees, including the general audience, those that have applied to present, ATypI board members, and volunteers. Stanford will provide letters of acknowledgement to support those who intend to attend the conference and have secured a U.S. visa appointment.
1. Determine If You Need a U.S. Visa
Some international attendees will require a non-immigrant visa (B-1 for business). Citizens from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) do not need a visa for business stays in the U.S. However, these travelers must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) online before their trip. If your country is not participating in the Visa Waiver Program, you need to apply for a B-1 Visa for the ATypI 2026 Stanford conference.
2. Complete Form DS-160
Completion of Form DS-160 is required to schedule a visa appointment. Find the form here B-1 Visa DS-160 form and save your confirmation bar code.
3. Schedule Your U.S. Visa Appointment as soon as possible
Visa interview spots can fill up quickly. The U.S. consulates and embassies worldwide experience varying wait times depending on your location and the time of year.
- If you plan to attend the conference, book your U.S. visa appointment immediately. Appointments are granted on a first-come, first-served basis and may not be available later. Keep in mind that the nonrefundable Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) payment may be necessary to book your appointment. Keep in mind that you may reschedule to an earlier slot if one opens up. You can check the Visa Appointment Wait Times at your local embassy or consulate via the U.S. Department of State’s Global Visa Wait Times tool.
- Use Visa Wizard to schedule an appointment. Keep in mind that it is important to apply at the right U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Generally, you must apply for your visa in the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence or nationality. Applying outside your residence country may lead to longer wait times.
4. Complete Prerequisites
- Print the confirmation page for Form DS-160 (online nonimmigrant visa application) B-1 Visa DS-160 form
- If you have not already, pay the visa application fee and keep your receipt (additional issuance fees may apply depending on nationality.)
- Prepare other required documents:
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond your conference stay
- Photo (online upload or printed per spec)
- Gather supporting evidence:
- Acknowledgement letter from Stanford. To request your acknowledgement letter, please fill out this form. For urgent requests, contact Audrey Gao (amgao@stanford.edu)
- Purpose of your trip, intent to return home (e.g., ties to your home country), and your ability to cover your travel costs to the ATypI 2026 Stanford Conference.
5. Monitor Appointment Slots
Appointment calendars change as new slots open. It is recommended to check the Visa Wizard portal regularly and reschedule if earlier appointments become available.