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US Visa Information

Concerns about visas for scientists going to the USA

Because of concerns about national security, the US authorities have imposed visa controls and regulations that have created difficulties, since 2002, for many scientists wishing to visit the USA. This is a particular problem for scientists from certain countries or areas of research that are considered ‘high risk’. There also appears to be considerable variation in the way the visa application and vetting process is handled in practice at different consulates and border controls/airports. The result is that many scientists have been refused or dissuaded from attending scientific meetings in the USA, which is regrettable for both American and international science and for science and society as a whole.

ICSU is working closely with the US National Academies to monitor and address this issue and has been in dialogue with senior officials from the US government. However, a highly-publicised incident on 9 February 2006, when ICSU President Goverdhan Mehta was initially refused a visa to the USA, demonstrates that problems are far from resolved.

The US National Academies have a dedicated team working to resolve individual cases of bone fide scientists who have visa problems and this service is open to individuals from all countries. At the same time, ICSU and the US National Academies are continuing the discussions with US authorities to try and ensure the necessary changes in policies and practices.

International Visitors Office of the US National Academies

The International Visitors Office (IVO) website is a resource on all visa-related issues for Academy members and the scientific community. It provides useful information for scientists wishing to attend scientific meetings in the United States as well as direct assistance to scientists who encounter visa difficulties.

ICSU actions and correspondence

  • Letter to ICSU Members and Interdisciplinary Bodies, 26 February 2009 pdf icon
  • Response of Dr George H. Atkinson (Science and Technology Advisor to the US Department of State), 2 March 2006 pdf icon
  • Letter from ICSU Past-President and President-Elect to Dr Condoleezza Rice (Secretary of State of the US Department of State), 24 February 2006 pdf icon
  • ICSU expresses grave concern over visa policies and vetting practices for scientists visiting the USA (Press release, 23 February 2006; pdf iconEnglish / pdf icon French)
  • Response by Dr George H. Atkinson (Science and Technology Advisor to the US Department of State), 29 September 2004 pdf icon
  • Letter from ICSU President to Dr George H. Atkinson (Science and Technology Advisor to the US Department of State), 10 June 2004 pdf icon
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