North America’s Largest Woodworking Event | Tuesday–Friday | August 25–28, 2026

Visa Information

U.S. Visa Information

Travel to the U.S. from all countries not participating in the Visa Waiver Program does require a visa. The United States has instituted tighter visa requirements for non-immigrant applicants. This may increase the time it takes to process your visa application. Use the information in the pages linked below to help prepare for the process and begin your visa application well in advance of your travel dates. Visa applications in some countries can take as long as two to three months.

Early requests for invitation letters to IWF 2026 for your visa application can be requested now by emailing showinfo@iwfatlanta.com. Invitation letters to IWF 2026 for your visa application can be requested as part of IWF’s online registration process.

Learn about traveling to the U.S. for business

Learn about U.S. visa requirements, policy and procedures

See U.S. visa wait times by country

Find your country of origin’s U.S. Embassy/Consulate to apply for a visa

Visa Waiver Program

Currently 27 countries participate in the Visa Waiver Program, allowing their citizens to visit the U.S. without a visa for tourism or business trips lasting less than 90 days. However, there are some restrictions and additional requirements.

Learn more about the Visa Waiver Program

Visa Application Tips

Familiarize yourself with the policies and procedures of the U.S. visa application: U.S. visa requirements, policies and procedures
Verify fees and other requirements with your country of origin’s U.S. Embassy or Consulate: Find your U.S. Embassy/Consulate
Register for IWF 2026 and then request a Letter of Invitation from IWF. You do not have to register for IWF 2026 to receive a letter of invitation, but showing your registration is helpful.
Schedule an appointment with your country’s U.S. Embassy as soon as all of your materials are complete and you have received your Letter of Invitation and registration confirmation from IWF. Make your appointment early as wait times can be long in some countries: See visa wait times by country
Completely fill out all official documents. Answer all questions completely. Avoid using “n.a.” or “not applicable” on your forms. Instead answer “no” or “none.”
Travel with an official embassy delegation. Traveling with a delegation organized by your local embassy or trade organization can improve your chances of visa approval. IWF is a participant in the DOC International Buyer Program. Visit their site for more information on the program and who to contact: DOC International Buyer Program

Visa Interview tips:

Bring your letter of invitation and any other materials you have received from IWF (promotional pieces, registration materials, Education Conference information, etc.) to your interview. This helps to show IWF is a legitimate business event.
Show proof of “strong ties” that bind you to your country of residence. The consular officers conducting visa interviews look for proof that you will return to your country. Evidence of “strong ties” includes proof of business ownership or employment, social and family relationships.
If you have traveled to the U.S. previously, provide documentation demonstrating that you returned to your country on time (reservation receipts, airline boarding pass, passport stamps, etc.) or materials that show you attended a business conference or meeting.
Interviews are generally very short in length. Questions focus on your travel plans and your ties to your home country ensuring your return. Being as prepared as possible improves your likelihood of being approved.
Remember, wait times for interviews can be very long. Begin the process as soon as possible and schedule an interview immediately upon registering for IWF and receiving your letter of invitation.

The International Woodworking Fair, LLC (IWF) does not assume any financial, legal or other type of responsibility for any person during their attendance at IWF, and is not responsible for denied visa applications.