Hackers  Are Ready.  Are You?
 
September 20 - 25, 2009 Miami, Florida
   
International Travelers and Visas
Formal Invitation Letter
Hacker Halted USA 2009 conference is glad to welcome you to the United States, and the prestigious event in the information security industry.  In order to obtain a formal invitation letter for your visa application, please send an email to Leonard Chin at leonard@eccouncil.org
Do you need a visa?
Visa Waiver
Beginning January 12, 2009, visitors to the U.S. from visa-waiver countries will be required to register online and be authorized for entry as part of the new Electronic System for Travel Authorization (in English)
Visa Interview Tips

 
Request your letter of invitation, and make your appointment for a visa interview early! 

Wait times for a visa interview can be several weeks or more in many countries. With this in mind, we strongly urge you to place your request for a letter of invitation to  attend the Hacker Halted USA 2009 conference as soon as possible. These helpful tips may make your visa interview process easier. 

  • Request a letter of invitation from us. The sooner you request your letter of invitation the better. With recent changes in the immigration laws, it may take longer to apply for a visitor visa. 
  • Schedule an appointment with your embassy as soon as you receive 
  • your visa letter. Make your appointment early as wait times can be long in some countries. Please request your letter of invitation before making your appointment, and make sure you have your letter available for your interview. 
  • Verify fees and requirements. Go to http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/ to 
  • find out about visa fees and the methods of payment accepted by the embassy or consulate. The website also contains information on other requirements such as photographs. 
  • Be sure to complete all official documents. Answer all questions  completely. Do not use “n.a.”, “Not applicable” in your forms. If the answer is in the negative, use “no”, “nil”, or “none.” 
  • Show proof of "strong ties" that bind you to your country of residence. 
  • The Consular Officers conducting visa interviews look for proof that you will return to your country. Evidence of “strong ties” includes proof of business ownership or employment, social and family relationships. 
  • With your application, include any materials the Hacker Halted USA 2009 conference may have sent you. Include with your application any printed conference materials you receive from the HH to prove the show is a legitimate business event.