What’s New with IVO? The Sounds of Science Podcast from the National Academies highlights the work of the International Visitors Office. Visa Troubles Among China Scholars A report from Inside Higher Ed details some of the difficulties U.S. china scholars have faced while attempting to get visas to enter China. DHS Extends Period of Optional Practical Training for Certain Highly Skilled Foreign Students The U.S. Department of Homeland Security released today an interim final rule extending the period of Optional Practical Training (OPT) from 12 to 29 months for qualified F-1 non-immigrant students. State Department Posts Annual Student/Exchange Visitor Cable The Department of State posted its annual student and exchange visitor visa issues cable on April 3, 2008. The cable instructs posts regarding procedures for expediting F, M, and J appointments and clarifies information on Form DS-2019. Education, Research, Innovation Key to our Future Current visa restraints that limit the number of US-educated foreign-born workers from staying here must be reformed. U.S. Visa Policy News Information on U.S. Visa policy updates and resources for prospective travelers.		International Visitors Office The International Visitors Office (IVO), a program operated by BISO, is a resource on visa-related issues for the National Academies, Academy members, scientists and students traveling to the United States for professional activities. APPLY EARLY! All visa applicants are encouraged to apply early (at least 3 months before they need to travel to the United States). It currently takes about 8 weeks for the Department of State, to complete all the necessary administrative processes to have your visa issued. IVO News & Events View events and activities organized by the IVO, including presentations and articles by IVO staff and volunteers. Links Other visa-related sites at the National Academies, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Contact Us International Visitors Office The National Academies 500 Fifth Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20001 Phone: 202-334-2339/2807 Fax: 202-334-2231 Email: visas@nas.edu		Visa Questionnaire The Visa Questionnaire collects information on scientific mobility and the free flow of scientists. Data will be used for the purpose of tracking trends and to assist visa applicants whenever possible. Please submit a questionnaire only if your case has been pending for more than 60 days. Statistics View general statistics on the visa questionnaire submitted to the IVO.
				Meeting Organizer Resources Are you organizing a meeting in the United States? Obtain advice for planning international meetings in the United States, such as instructions for registering your meetings with the U.S. Department of State.
				Travel to the U.S. Information on obtaining a U.S. visa and what to do in the event of delay or denial. Travel from the U.S. Information for U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens who plan to travel to another country from the United States.
Revised 08 September 2008