International Participants

Many of our workshop participants who come from locations outside the United States will need a visa. The information on this page is intended for those who will need a visa to travel to the USA to attend a SGIA/SPTF Workshop.

Apply for your visa early.
In November 2002, the U.S. State Department advised that because of world events, visa applications are subject to a greater degree of scrutiny than in the past. Because greater scrutiny means a longer waiting period, the State Department recommends that you begin your visa application process well in advance of your travel dates.

For more information on applying for a visa, visit the U.S. State Department Web site. 

1. Choose and register on-line for the workshop you wish to attend. Once SGIA has received your registration, with the tuition payment in full, we will sent you a confirmation letter for you to take to your schedule appointment.* 
2. Schedule an appointment with the Embassy/Consulate.
   
   

The decision to grant visas belongs solely to the Embassy/Consulate. SGIA cannot promise that you or your colleagues will receive a visa. Likewise, SGIA cannot change the decision of the U.S. State Department should your application be denied.

You will need to take your confirmation letter to the embassy/consulate with you for your scheduled appointment.  (SGIA will not be sending a letter to the embassy/consulate.)

If you are denied a visa to enter the United States SGIA will reimburse your paid tuition fee, if we receive your cancellation notifacation by the guidelines of our cancellation policy.

* SGIA will no longer provide invitation letters to attend workshop programs.  Once tuition is paid in full we will send you a confirmation letter on SGIA letterhead.

For addition information on workshops contact pam@sgia.org