Jamboree/Visas

In iGEM 2008 there were several teams that were not able to attend the Jamboree due to visa problems. In order to avoid a similar problem this year, we are asking that all teams apply for visas by June 1 at the latest.

iGEM Headquarters does not have any authority over consulate offices or the visa application process. The only way to have the highest chance of successfully obtaining a visa is to apply early. If you do not yet know who will be attending the Jamboree in November, err on the side of caution and have all members apply for a visa.

Students should apply for B-1 visas, not B-2. This is a business visa, not a travel visa. Under a travel visa you are not allowed to present at a conference. For more information on the B-1 visa see the MIT's International Scholars Office visa page.

Important: Make sure that you are on your team's roster. If you are not already on the roster you must join the team and have the primary contact approve your request to join. Alternatively you can ask the primary contact to provide you with the team membership joining code. For more instructions on how to join the team see the  Registration FAQs.

Invitation letter system
You can get a customized invitation letter to use when applying for you visa by using the new invitation letter system.

Instructions:
 * 1) Log-in to 2009.igem.org
 * 2) Click on My Account
 * 3) *[[Image:My account.png|700px]]
 * 4) At the bottom of your account page you will see a box for Visas - Invitation Letters
 * 5) Click on edit and enter your information
 * 6) *[[Image:Visa box.png|700px]]
 * 7) Save your edits
 * 8) Download your letter

If you have any questions, please contact iGEM Headquarters.