How To Get A Visa When Attending Cyber Security Conferences in the US or the UK
Cybersecurity, when compared to other tech industries in my opinion, evolves the fastest.
Because of this, InfoSec professionals have become more open to various means of acquiring new knowledge: and attending conferences will help you by:
- Acquiring tech and cybersecurity knowledge
- Expanding your personal network
- Promoting yourself and your brand!
So, before we being – let’s be clear: for cybersecurity professionals, attending conferences should be considered as being a must-do!
Thanks to year-round seminars and conferences all around the globe, there is no excuse not to attend one. It’s pretty likely that there are conferences in the country you’re in but if you’re looking for bigger cyber security gatherings, you should look into visiting the US, the UK or India.
Just by merely Googling cyber security conferences, you’ll notice that most of the cybersecurity conferences we list tend to mostly be located in the aforementioned three locations.
What Is This Visa Conference Resource?
We’ve put together a resource to help you understand how to get a visa conference.
Why Travel To Attend a Conferences?
There are three major things you will definitely gain from this experience:
The conferences get to tackle cyber security issues dealt by the community. Because people from different places join these gatherings, it’s highly likely that you will be able to hear out issues and technological advances dealt by different cyber security professionals from all over the world.
You meet a new group of people from all over the world. Widen the scope of your network with the conferences you attend.
A bigger network means greater opportunities for professional growth.
You can mix business with pleasure. Conferences, in general, last from 2 to 4 days at most.
When the gathering has wrapped up, you can go ahead and plan a much needed short (or long) vacation as you wish!
If you’re interested (and we are sure you are), you’ll need a visa to get in to these places. Don’t fret because we’re giving you the most concise information on how to acquire your visas without (so much) hassle!
I. Getting A Visa For A Conference In The United States of America
What type of visa will you need?
The type of visa you will need to attend a conference in the United States is B-1, which is a business visitor visa.
The B class of visa is a type of non-immigrant visa provided by the US government to foreign people seeking temporary access into the country. The B-1 visa is granted to people seeking entrance for business purposes, whereas the B-2 visa is granted to those seeking access for tourist or other non-commercial reasons.
What’s the difference between a B-1 and B-2 visa for conference attending?
- B-1 is the only visa you can use to enter the US to attend a conference
- B-2 is for strictly non-commerical reasons
This business visa gives you permission to stay in the US up to 6 months. That should definitely be able to cover your conference days/week plus some sightseeing before and/or after the convention.
How to apply?
Applying for a B-1 US visa (or B-2) may differ based on the consulate or US Embassy you will be applying from.
However, generally this is how it will go:
Complete the online visa application. This includes completing Form DS-160 through the online application for non-immigrants. Print the completed form. Also, be ready with passport-sized photos, which will later on be asked from you.
Schedule your interview with the US Embassy or Consulate of the country you reside. Be prepared for your interview by securing a non-refundable payment before the scheduled interview date and having the necessary documents on hand such as your passport, your printed copy of Form DS-160, photos and a receipt of your payment. Also, be prepared to also answer questions such as why you want to visit and where you will be staying during your visit. Having papers to back up your claims will definitely increase your chances of getting approved.
Pray and wait for your visa approval. You should be able to get an answer about your visa approval (or disapproval) in at the very least a week or two from your interview.
II. Getting A Visa For A Conference In The United Kingdom
What type of visa will you need?
If you’re attending a conference in UK, you will need to secure a UK visitor visa. Just like the B-1/B-2 US visa, its validity extends for up to 6 months. The visitor visa is available to non-immigrants who have temporary business in the UK.
How to apply?
Similar to acquiring a US visa, applying for a UK visitor visa may vary depending on the UK Embassy or consulate of your country of origin. In any case, here are general guidelines for you to follow:
Log on www.gov.uk and click on the UK visa application. The site is very helpful and very user-friendly so you should be able to quickly navigate your way through. After figuring out the necessary documents needed and filing the online application, you should be ready to go.
Book an appointed interview schedule with the UK Embassy. Be sure to do this because walk in applicants are rarely entertained.
Attend the schedule interview date with your application documents. These include your passport, a printed application form you completed online, appointment letter and a second form of identification card. FYI, all the documents you’ve submitted will be the only files that’ll be taken into consideration by the UK government so make sure everything is complete and legitimate before handing them over.
After the interview, you will be asked to enroll your fingerprint and get your photo taken. For fingerprint scanning, make sure that your fingers are clean and are free from lacerations or tattoos.
Wait for a couple of weeks to know if your visa has been granted.
III. Getting A Visa For A Conference In India
What type of visa will you need?
In order to attend a conference happening in India that is set up by a private company, you will need to secure an Indian Business Visa. This type of Indian visa usually gives you up to 3 months, single entry to the country.
However if you are attending a conference spearheaded by the Indian government, you may be granted a Conference Visa instead.
How to apply?
To apply for either Conference or a Business Visa, here are some guidelines:
Get hold of the Indian Visa Application Form.
Complete the said form and be sure to bring along two copies during your interview. You can be able to access the application form on https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/index.html.
Schedule an interview with the Indian Embassy or Consulate. Payment will also be required from you during this stage in order to secure your interview slot.
Show up on the interview date with the necessary documents. If available, you can show proof of the conference you are attending to increase your chances of getting an approval.
Wait for the results whether your visa has been approved or not.
Want to know when US security conference will be on
Thanks for your comment. The US is now back into conference mode. The vast majority of events in the United States and the EU are taking place physically again, so if you do need a Visa for a US Conference (such as a B1) then now would be a good time to apply.
I’m really interested in attending this conference in the USA but don’t know-how. Pls, how do I go about the application? Thank you!
Thank you for your comment? Which conference are you referring to and do you need a visa to attend the conference in the US? Drop us a private message via our contact form and I will see if I can help you out. Good luck with it!
Are you planing for ACS fall 2022 conference. I also have same plan.
Thank you for your comment, but I am not sure about what you mean by the ACS 2022 Conference?
Please I’m interested in a cyber security conference in the USA but I don’t know anybody in the US, how do I go about it and also is it possible for me. Thanks.
Hi Fashoba – yes, it is possible, but to apply for a US Conference Visa (B1) you will need to apply through your local US Consulate or Embassy.
I’m planning to attend a world Travel expo in Miami in June 2023… I don’t have a specific hotel booked yet for my travel and I don’t have a friend to you the address in the US. kindly suggest if I can use the expo venue as my address in the US or I need to use the hotel address. And also there might not be available dates for my interview till June 2023 due to overbooked appointment dates kindly advise.
My understanding is that you need to provide your hotel address – but I’d suggest getting that confirmed from your US Business Visa representative
Thank you for your reply, I am seeking B1 visa for attending ACS fall 2022 event which will happen on 21th aug.2022.
Can you please let me know will proceed to got my Visa
I’m a student and I work part-time I wanna attend a church conference in August. What do I write in my primary occupation? Do I apply for B1 or B2 Visa?
Hi Adelina, the answer is that I am not too sure. We focus on providing information for B1 or B2 Conference Visas within the cybersecurity and tech space. For other business visas we can’t advise – sorry about that.
Hi do you provide a conference invitation letter because we have to show that in the embassy while applying for a B1 Visa? Thank You
Hi Fasih, we don’t unfortunately. If you are attending a conference and need an approved Visa then you’d need to contact the conference organizer directly. Sorry that we can’t help.
Is the ViSA an alternative requirement to a passport when traveling to the UK, or is it if you don’t already have a passport?
You need a passport WITH an official business visa
Very useful information, thank you
You are most welcome
Hey there, something I think to note is that if your country falls under the Visa Waiver Program you only need the ESTA to be able to enter the country for a conference. You do not need the B1 visa.
Thank you, Emma. Very useful. We should add that information when we have a moment
Hi there, I failed to get an appointment with the embassy yet I had made all the payments and got to a confirmation email for the visa fee, could you please help me know what went wrong, thanks for the great advice I appreciate
Impossible to say without understanding your case. And, thank you for your email
I had an invite from the National Association of Broadcasters(NAB) to attend a conference in NY on the 17th – 20th of October 2022. I presented all the needed documents yet I was denied the visa with no explanation. I was told I could not appeal. What could be the reason for the denied? Thanks
Without knowing the full case, I’m sorry we can’t commit.
Is a B1 visa still the best type to get if you are a student attending an event/conference? For example, if you are studying in your home country, and you want to go to a conference in the US. If you are not a professional is a B1 still the appropriate VISA?
The B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa is the one that you should apply for if you are an international student planning to attend a conference in the United States. Obtaining this visa enables those who are not citizens of the United States to enter the nation for purposes like business and tourism. Students who are planning to attend a conference or seminar are eligible to apply for a B-1 visa, despite the fact that this type of visa is more commonly linked with business travel.
It is essential to be aware that the B-1/B-2 visa, despite the fact that it can be used for attending a conference or seminar in the United States, cannot be used for enrolling in a full-time academic programme in the country. You will be required to submit an application for an F-1 student visa if your goal is to pursue higher education in the United States.
When applying for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, you will be required to show paperwork proving your intention to return to your home country following your stay. This documentation can take the form of proof of enrolment in a school or institution, proof of employment, or evidence of ownership of property or other ties to your home country. In addition to this, you will be required to provide evidence that you will be able to maintain your standard of living throughout your time spent in the United States.
It is always a good idea to consult with an immigration attorney or a trusted advisor for help on which visa category is appropriate for your specific case. This can be accomplished by consulting with an immigration attorney or a trusted counsellor.
I am planning to attend the National Alliance of Black School Educators, coming up by 30th November 2023, but i understand that, there is no date as regards to interview date this 2023 year. My question now is, how is it possible for me to secure early date of visa interview to enable me attend the conference by November. Thanks
If you are applying for a B1/B2 visa, it is crucial to understand that getting an early interview date is mostly dependent on appointment availability at the embassy or consulate where you will be applying.
Also, before sending your application documents, confirm that they are complete and accurate. This can help to minimize delays or additional information requests, which could further delay the processing of your application and limit your chances of getting an early interview date.