Foreign nationals can visit Fermilab temporarily for meetings, research, collaboration, conferences, workshops and other activities. They can enter the United States as a “business visitor” using a B-1 visa or the Visa Waiver Program. However, this status does not allow employment with U.S. organizations. To enter, all business visitors must receive an invitation letter from the Foreign National Access Program (FNAP) office.
If you are not sure if you need a visa, you can use the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Wizard to find out. Business visitor status does not permit you to be employed by a U.S. organization (e.g., receive a salary).
Statuses
B visas
There are two types of B visas: B-1 for business visitors and B-2 for tourists. Individuals visiting Fermilab in a professional capacity must be admitted into the United States under B-1 status. Typically, B-1 visa holders are permitted to stay in the country for up to six months, or for the duration of a specific event such as a conference, workshop, or academic program. Extensions of the B-1 status may be possible, up to a maximum of six months, if both a letter from the home institution and a letter from Fermilab provide a clear justification. Extensions require filing an application with a $300 fee. Alternatively, individuals can leave the United States and re-enter with their B-1 visa, provided it has not expired. For more information on B-1 visas, refer to the U.S. Department of State website.
Visa Waiver Program and ESTA
When a person visits Fermilab under the Visa Waiver Program, they are seeking admission to the United States as a business visitor, but without a visa stamp. It is not a separate “category” of admission – it is just a different procedure for entry as a business visitor. For more information about the Visa Waiver Program, visit the U.S. Department of State website.
Fermilab procedure
- If you are coming for a meeting, research or similar activities, contact your experiment spokesperson or department head. They will begin an internal process that results in the issuance of an invitation letter to you from Fermilab. If you are coming for a workshop, conference, school or other Fermilab event, the event organizers will issue an invitation letter to you. In either case, the invitation letter confirms the purpose and duration of the event or activity. See the FNAP webpage for more information.
- Obtain a letter from your home institution. The Visa Office strongly recommends that you do not apply for a B-1 visa without this.
- If applying for a B-1 visa: Apply for a B-1 visa at the U.S. Consulate in your country of current residence, a country where you are visiting for business or other purposes, or your country of nationality. Please note that the visa application process can extend up to three or more months, depending on circumstances and the backlog of work at the particular consulate. If entering under the Visa Waiver Program, skip this step.
Workshop attendees
Workshop, conference or school attendees who have registered online with the Conference Office will be issued temporary badges upon arrival at Fermilab. Your name also will be on a list for security.
When you arrive at Fermilab’s entry gates, you must present photo identification (driver’s license, state ID or university ID, for example) before being permitted on site. The guard can provide directions to specific locations on site.
Information about Fermilab and the surrounding area is available on the Users Office website, including topics such as housing, banks, driving privileges, car rental and life in the United States.
Further information about conferences, workshops and schools at Fermilab is available from the Conference Office.
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Si necesita traducir la página web, se recomienda utilizar el navegador Google Chrome. A la derecha de la barra de direcciones, haga clic en traducir y seleccione su idioma preferido. Luego, Google Chrome traducirá la página web.