Texas Tech University

International Visitors

Most international travelers are required to obtain a visitor visa to enter the United States. Visas require a passport valid at least six months beyond your period of stay in the U.S. You can find more information about the visa process on the U.S. Department of State website, including required documentation and if you are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program.



In-person interviews are generally required as part of the visa application process. The wait time to receive an interview varies by city, visa type, and time of year. You can view an estimated wait time for all cities here. We recommend starting the process as soon as you decide to attend the conference.

Visa Checklist Overview
Provided by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine’s International Visitors Office

Visas Delayed or Not Approved

It is important to start the visa process early. If there unexpected delays, the National Academies International Visitors Office (IVO) can assist with expediting the visa process after you schedule your interview. If your visa is not approved or you need help expediting your scheduled interview time, please contact IVO at visas@nas.edu.