International Registration
In order to request an invitation letter, please submit a written request, in English, on company letterhead. Requests may be mailed or faxed to:
METALFORM International Visitor Request
Precision Metalforming Association
6363 Oak Tree Blvd.
Independence, OH 44131-2500
USA
Fax: 216-901-9190
E-mailed requests will not be honored.
Request your letter of invitation and make your appointment for a visa interview early! Wait times for a visa interview can be several weeks or more in many countries, especially during peak travel periods. We strongly urge you to submit your request to attend Regional METALFORM in Birmingham, AL as soon as possible. You should submit your request at least six weeks prior to Regional METALFORM at the very latest, to allow for return invitation. Any requests received within six weeks of show may not be processed.
Helpful Tips for a Successful Visa Interview
- Submit your request for a letter of invitation as soon as possible. With recent changes in the immigration laws, it may take longer to apply for a visa.
- Include complete contact information with your request. This should include your name, company, job title, full address, phone, fax and email, as well as your date of birth and passport number.
- Schedule an appointment with your embassy as soon as you receive your visa letter. Make your appointment early as wait times can be long in some countries. Please request your letter of invitation before making your appointment and make sure you have your letter available for your interview.
- Verify fees and requirements. Go to www.unitedstatesvisas.gov to find out about visa fees and the methods of payment accepted by the embassy or consulate. The website also contains information on other requirements such as photographs.
- Be sure to complete all official documents. Answer all questions completely. Do not use “n/a”, “not applicable” in your forms. If the answer is in the negative, use “no”, “nil” or “none.”
- Show proof of “strong ties” that bind you to your country of residence. The Consular Officers conducting the interviews look for proof that you will return to your country. Evidence of “strong ties” includes proof of business ownership or employment, social and family relationships.
- If you have traveled to the U.S. previously, provide documentation demonstrating that you returned to your country on time. Show proof that you returned within the timeframe you stated. For example, use an airline ticket stub/boarding pass that shows your return flight or meeting materials that show you attended a business conference.
- With your visa application, include any materials the Precision Metalforming Association may have sent you. Provide any printed exposition or conference materials you receive about METALFORM shows to prove that the show is a legitimate business event.
Interviews typically last no more than five minutes and the questions are related to confirming your travel plans and ties to your home country. But remember, wait times can be long for visa processing—register for METALFORM, get your letter of invitation and make your appointment as soon as possible.
State Department Provides Visa Wait Times on Web Site
This site provides estimated waiting periods to get an interview to apply for a visa and the estimated time it will take to process the application at the consular section. The visa wait times are shown for various locations around the world. The State Department does advise that it is best to check with the local embassy or consular section to confirm the information. To visit the visa wait-times site, go to www.travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_wait.php.
For complete information regarding visitor visa application requirements, visit the website of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs or www.unitedstatesvisas.gov.
Registration Credentials must be picked up on site and will not be mailed to International Overseas Attendees. If you require credentials to be mailed in advance, please contact Experient at 301-694-5243, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Eastern Time, or email them for details and shipping charges.
