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Non-Immigrant Visas

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

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If you will be traveling to the United States to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, you may require a visa depending on your purpose of travel and citizenship.

Those who do require a visa are advised to apply early to ensure there is sufficient processing time. While our standard processing time is one week, some applications may require additional administrative processing, which can take up to six week or more.

Please read the information below to determine which visa is most appropriate for you.

Government Officials:

If you will be attending APEC on behalf of a foreign government, you must have a visa in the appropriate classification. Representatives of the Japanese government will either need an A-1 or A-2 visa. Attendees representing a state government must apply for a B-1 visa, unless they are eligible to travel to the U.S. on the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

For information on how to apply for an official or diplomatic visa, please see Diplomatic and Government Official Visas page.

Media:

If you will attend APEC as a member of the media, you will need to ensure that you have a valid media visa (I visa) prior to travel. For information regarding the I visa, please see Journalists and Media Representatives page.

Other:

If you plan to attend APEC as a member of the private sector, you will need to apply for a B1/B2 (Business/Tourism) visa, unless you are eligible to travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). In order to travel on the VWP, all applicants must register online with the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). For more information on ESTA, please see Visa Waiver Program page.

APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC):

The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is not a visa and not an entry document to the U.S. You will still need a visa to travel to the U.S., unless you qualify for the VWP.

For information on how to apply for a visa, please see Non-Immigrant Visa Application Prcedures .

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