NOTICE! Immigration Officials have been given increased discretion when determining the period of stay in the U.S. for the W- and B- categories. We have been advised that proof of the length of your visit may be required to receive permission to stay in the U.S. in excess of 30 days regardless of the longer period actually allowed. Please bring your invitation letter with you so that you may establish your visit dates should it be necessary to do so. Please contact Timber Kelley if you have any questions. THIS VISA MAY NOT BE USED FOR STAYS IN EXCESS OF 6 MONTHS.

When you receive this visa from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, you may notice that it says B1/B2. This allows you to enter the U.S. either for business (B-1) or as a tourist (B-2), but it is only when you enter the U.S. that your actual status is determined. At that time, the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service marks on the I-94 card that they give to you either B-1 or B-2--not a combination. It is this status that determines our ability to reimburse you for your travel and local expenses. You must be absolutely certain that Immigration has indicated on your I-94 card that you have been admitted into the U.S. in the B-1 status because you will not be able to receive financial reimbursement for more than 9 days if you have a B-2 mark on your I-94 card.

The Institute is required to send a photocopy of each I-94 card to the University's Accounting Office. If the card indicates B-2 status, the University will not be able to reimburse you for more than 9 days. I am sorry to say that it is your responsibility to make certain that the status/admission category you have been granted is correct. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for you to double-check what U.S. Immigration writes on your I-94 card before you accept it. Once you are in the U.S. it is too late to make a change.

Prior to your entry into the United States, the Institute's administration will help you with your visa concerns in any way possible, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have.

last modified 8/9/06 ds