WASHINGTON, DC
Legislation proposed by two U.S. Senators could greatly improve the U.S. visa process, making it easier for meeting planners to attract international attendees to their events, according to a statement from the U.S. Travel Association last week.
The Visa Improvements to Stimulate International Tourism to the United States of America (S.1746), or the VISIT USA Act, amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make improvements to the U.S. visa process, which is currently a major barrier to international travelers seeking to travel to the U.S. The issue has made it difficult for attendees from overseas to come to events in this country, and often leads international organizations to steer clear of the U.S. when deciding where to have a meeting or event.
The VISIT USA Act includes many ideas for improving the U.S. visa system, such as the creation of a premium visa process, whereby prospective visitors would pay a higher than normal visa processing fee in exchange for receiving a visa interview within three days of the request. Suggestions also include provisions for Chinese nationals, an expansion of the visa waiver program, a videoconference interviewing system, and an effort to encourage Canadian tourism.
