Visas (International Students Only)

International Students,

You likely need a US visa - or proper clearance - so that you are permitted to attend our program.  Even if you are “sure” you do NOT need a visa, please still read this - you might still have work to do! 

Please note that you are fully responsible for acquiring your visa.  I may check in with you to see how it is going, but acquiring the visa is your responsibility. 

First, Please Note:

  • When you are at the US embassy, and when you arrive to the US and are going through Customs, 
    do NOT say, “I am enrolled at Yale,” or “I am here to study at Yale.”  That’s not correct:  the
    Summer Institute does not give you status as a Yale student, and it does not provide Yale credits.
    You should say, “I am attending a conference at Yale.”
     
  • Please print out and bring this form with you to Customs which explains the program and your status as a visitor (not student) on campus.  
     
  • If you misspeak to US Customs officials, it’s possible that they will deny your entry because both the B visa - and the VWP - require that you come for tourism,  and it’s a different visa for students earning credit at Yale. 

How to Decide on the Proper Visa:

First, check to see if your country is on this list of 38 countries

  • (Scroll to where it says, ”Citizen or National of VWP Designated Country.”)
     

    These 38 countries are part of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) with the US. 

If your Country is NOT on this List:

  • Please visit your nearest US embassy and apply for a “B” tourist visa.
     
  • I encourage you to apply as soon as you can.  Please note that since our federal government 
    has just changed hands, processing might     take longer - maybe considerably longer - we just don’t know. 
     
  • You will see there is a “B1” for business and a “B2” for tourism. Choose what’s right for you.
    • If you are currently a student enrolled in a university, or will return from the program to enroll in a 
      university, the “B2” may be most appropriate.
    • If you are a professional, either would be fine. If you are using the program to help with your 
      job skills, perhaps “B1” is more fitting, but again, B2 would still be correct.
       
  • You can visit the US visa website to learn more and to locate a list of required documents and fees.  
If your Country IS on the List of 38 Countries:
  1. There are exceptions to the VWP - which may change in the near future - which you will 
    only discover during your application -  so apply early (following the steps below) in case
    they deny your VWP request.    
     
  2. See the “Important Notice” to see if you are disqualified from VWP.
     
  3. If you ARE disqualified, follow the instructions before for a “B” visa.
    If you are NOT disqualified, continue to #2. 
     
  4. You must have an “e-Passport” for VWP.
    If you don’t have an e-Passport, get one and go to #4, or follow the instructions before for a “B” visa.
    If you have an e-Passport, continue to #4. 
     
  5. You MUST apply for an ”approved travel authorization” - the ESTA application - here.