International scientists planning to attend Cell Bio 2023 should make travel plans sooner than later, especially if they will need to obtain visas to enter the United States. Delays in obtaining dates for in-person visa interviews vary wildly at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world, with some delays as long as hundreds of days.
It is advisable that international attendees start their visa application process early to increase the chances of grabbing an early date for the all-important interview. Look around to see if there are earlier appointments at other U.S. consulates.
The problem of long delays in obtaining visa interviews is one that the ASCB and other nonprofit organizations and companies have been working on with the White House and Congress for more than a year. While some advances are being made, it does not appear there will be a full resolution anytime soon.
About the Author:
Kevin M. Wilson serves as Director of Public Policy and Media Relations for The American Society for Cell Biology. He's worked as the Legislative Director for U.S. Congressman Robert Weygand (D-RI) and as a Legislative Assistant for U.S. Senator Claiborne Pell (D-RI). He has a BA in Politics and American Government from the Catholic University of America. Email: kwilson@ascb.org
