Your Safety & Experience at the AVS-72 Meeting in Pittsburgh
We know that travel decisions come with many considerations, and we want to reassure you about what to expect at the upcoming Meeting in Pittsburgh.
- Venue safety: Our meeting venue works closely with local authorities and their own in-house, professional security teams to ensure the highest standards of safety.
- Communications: AVS is in regular communication with our partners to monitor conditions and support attendees throughout their stay.
- Information and resources: We’ll share practical tips so you can feel confident navigating the meeting.
Most importantly, the AVS Symposium remains your place to connect with colleagues, discover cutting-edge research, and advance science together.
We look forward to welcoming you to Pittsburgh, where our collaboration helps create a safe and inspiring meeting experience.
Information & Resources
While AVS cannot provide legal or immigration guidance, we want to make sure you have quick access to trusted, official resources for your travel planning.
Travel & Documentation
- U.S. State Department: Travel information
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection: US entry requirements
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA): What you can bring
Immigration & Rights Information
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- Know Your Rights – American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
- Know Your Rights If Stopped by ICE—ACLU Illinois
Pittsburgh City Resources
- Office of Emergency Management: This is the City’s main emergency management authority, coordinating alerts, severe weather updates, and public safety communications.
- OEMC Alerts: Ideal for quick, trusted notices on incidents or changing conditions in Pittsburgh.
Emergency & Safety
- Dial 911 for any emergency (police, fire, or medical).
- Create your own list of emergency contact information and have it with you at all times.
- Name, address, and phone number of your hotel/place of residence
- Location and phone number of your nearest national embassy
- Pittsburgh Consulates and Embassies
- Keep your passport, visa, and other important travel documents secure and accessible.
- Be aware of your digital privacy rights at the US border.
Visa Updates
While AVS cannot offer immigration advice, here are official resources outlining recent and upcoming changes in U.S. visa policies that may affect your travel planning.
Visa Integrity Fee – Effective October 1, 2025
A new $250 visa integrity fee will be added to most non-immigrant visa applications (tourists, students, exchange visitors, temporary workers), raising total visa costs to approximately $442 for applicants outside Visa Waiver Program countries (including, but not limited to, Mexico, Argentina, India, Brazil, and China).
In-Person Interview Requirement Expanded – Effective September 2, 2025
Most non-immigrant visa applicants—including F‑1/F‑2 (students), J‑1/J‑2 (exchange), H‑1B (work), and others—are now required to attend an in-person consular interview, ending widespread eligibility for interview waivers.
►Learn More – International Visa FAQs
What This Means for You
- Plan ahead: Apply for your visa early, as processing times may increase.
- Budget accordingly: Be prepared for additional fees and travel to a consulate or embassy for interviews.
- Stay informed: Keep an eye on the U.S. State Department’s Visa News page for updates.