The Southwest Center for Arithmetic Geometry

Southwest Center
Important Information on Visas

There are rather strict rules about the documentation required in order to be able to reimburse non-U.S. citizens for conference related expenses. Please read this information carefully---without proper documentation, we will not be able to reimburse any expenses.

Resident Aliens:

Please bring your green card with you for documentation purposes.

Canadian Citizens:

You must specifically request a B-1 visa and obtain an I-94 card at the border before you enter the United States---without this visa and I-94 card we cannot reimburse you for any conference related expenses.

Non-Resident Aliens:

You will need to obtain either a B-1 or WB visa; please request a letter of invitation from us to attend the workshop to expedite your visa processing. Either of these visas will allow you to receive reimbursement for conference related expenses only.

F-1 Visa holders:

If you are currently on an F-1 visa from another institution, we will not be able to pay you directly. You must receive your payment from your home institution. This will be handled through the Business Office of your department as follows: Once we have determined the amount of your reimbursement, your Business Office will submit an invoice to us (the Department of Mathematics) for the relevant amount; they will receive a check from us to cover this amount. Once they have received payment from us, you will submit your original receipts to your home department for direct reimbursement and receive a check from them. This process is for reimbursement of conference related expenses only. It is your responsibility to make arrangements with the Business Office of your department.

J-1 Visa holders:

If you are currently on a J-1 visa from another institution, we will require a letter from your sponsoring institution authorizing reimbursement of conference related expenses and a copy of your IAP-66 form.

Please be sure to bring your passport, visa, or I-94 card with you to the conference.

Finally, please be aware that NSF rules require that all reimbursed air flights be on U.S. flag carriers.

Any questions about visas and reimbursements should be directed to Sandy Braun in the Business Office of the U of A Mathematics Department.