B1 visa for Conference & University visit

[sumanju]

Hi,

I am a full-time PhD student from Jadavpur University, Kolkata. My Doctoral study is supported by Tata Consultancy Services through their Research Scholarship Program.
During the last week of May, 2014, I need to go to Chicago for presenting my paper in a conference. TCS is giving me monetary support towards attending the conference.
I got an invitation letter for attending the conference from organizing chair of the conference (a Professor of Illinois Institute of Technology). Duration of conference : 4 days.

Also, I have received another invitation letter from a Professor to visit Missouri University and deliver a seminar talk on my research. After that, the invitation states, "during the visit, you will be collaborating with my research group". Tentative duration of visit : 2 months. I will not get any remuneration/fellowship from any source in USA during this visit. I will get partial funding for this visit from my university and my guide advised me to use monthly scholarship (23K) / contingency fund if required.

So, I am planning to attend both the invitees and duration of my stay in US will be starting from last week of May to last week of July.

Now, I request your views and suggestions given my case as early as possible. I have to schedule my interview.

1. What are the queries I may face?
2. Supporting documents during visa interview?
3. Do I need to buy air-tickets before visa interview?
3. How much time will be needed to get the visa?

[peace999]

*no you do not need to buy tickets before the visa.

*And the visa process takes a few days , unless your case is placed in administrative processing.
apply now if you are ready with your paper work.

*as far as presenting paper and attending conferences for a few days is concerned, it is very fine but
"collaborating with research group for 2 months" may become a problem as it may fall beyond the scope of a B1/B2 visa even if you are not getting paid.
Independent research is allowed under B1 but what you are saying may not fall under that.

*I would suggest you just apply with the purpose of presenting the first paper with a stay of just a few days.
By the way, when is the second presentation scheduled?

*documents;
proof of your enrolment in PhD course at home.
proof of funding from TCS.
confirmation letters for presentation from US.

[sumanju]

@peace999

Thanks for quick response. Looking forward for suggestions and views.

1. I am frightened about this "administrative processing" as it may end up missing the date. My date of journey from India 23/24th May.

2. Read in this forum that they ask for specific itinerary. That is why I am in doubt whether I should buy tickets.

2. I have all the documents, you have mentioned.

3. Presentation @Missouri will be held during my stay. No specific date is mentioned in the invitation letter. But exact duration of my visit is mentioned (June 1, 2014-July 31 2014).

4. The Professor, who invited me @Missouri University, conveyed me that B1 may suffice for 2 months visit on the aforesaid purpose. But I doubt about his opinion after reading lot of experiences and advises in this forum. How can I defend my case during interview? or should I shorten the visit till June 30 (1 month)?

[peace999]

.