Short-Term International Visitors

International visitors need a valid visa that is related to the purpose of their visit to enter the United States.

The Center for International Studies will help determine the most appropriate type of visa for your visit.

• U.S. visa types
• Visa Waiver Program

We recommend you acquire two invitation letters. This will aid in scheduling the interview that is required to obtain a U.S. visa.

• Sample departmental letter (PDF) 
• Center for International Studies letter

Request Procedures:

• Complete the International Visitor Worksheet (PDF)
  • This form should be completed by the host department
• Faculty
  • These forms are on the Volunteer Policy webpage, under "Supporting Documents":
    • Volunteer Faculty/Coach/Trainer Application
    • Volunteer Faculty Agreement and Release
•  Non-Faculty
  • The Volunteer Non-Faculty Agreement and Release form is on the Volunteer Policy webpage, under "Supporting Documents".
• Drop off or mail to the Center for International Studies for review
• An advisor will review the request and make appropriate recommendations

Certain payments and services provided to short-term international visitors may result in U.S. tax consequences for the beneficiary.

To comply with Minnesota State and Internal Revenue Service procedures, these documents may be required:

• New Employee Data Sheet (PDF)
• W8BEN Form
• Tax Residency Information Form
• Payment Request Form (PDF)
• Form 8233
• B Honoraria Eligibility Certification (PDF)

All short-term international visitors are required to have a valid visa (*except Canadians) or visa waiver to be allowed entry into the United StatesIf the short-term international visitor will require a visa, the individual must:

Complete the Form DS-160

• Print and keep the DS-160 barcode page.

Schedule a visa interview appointment

• You should apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, generally in your country of permanent residence.
• The waiting time for an interview appointment can vary, so early visa application is strongly encouraged.

Pay the visa application processing fee

• You will need to provide a receipt showing the visa application processing fee has been paid, when you go for your visa interview.

Pay the visa issuance reciprocity fee (if applicable)

• If applicable, there will be an additional visa issuance reciprocity fee.

Visa Interview

• Passport (valid at least six months into the future)
• Department Invitation Letter
• Center for International Studies Letter
• Evidence of financial support
• DS-160 barcode page
• Visa processing fee receipt

Some U.S. Embassies or Consulates may require additional documentation, so check the embassy or consulate website for visa application instructions.

Administrative Processing or Security Clearances

In some cases, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate may require administrative processing or security clearances on your visa application. It is common for this process to take a couple of weeks to a couple of months.

If administrative processing or security clearances occurs, please contact your sponsoring department so the Center for International Studies can advise on the implications of a delayed arrival.

Travel Arrangements

• Make travel arrangements — including airline and shuttle reservations — early.
• Confirm airline reservations 72 hours before departure.
• Practice packing your luggage. Check your airline's luggage restrictions.
• Place personal items such as passport with visa, airline tickets, a change of clothing, a book or magazine, snacks, toothbrush/toothpaste, snacks and medications in a carry-on bag.  

Airport Arrival

The host department will be able to confirm that they will meet you at the airport or that shuttle reservations are made in advance.

Executive Express reservations can be made online. Executive Express is a privately-owned van shuttle service, to St. Cloud State. The Executive Express desk is in the Ground Transportation area of the airport. For more information, call Executive Express at 1-320-253-2226 or toll free at 1-888- 522-9899.