important Notice Regarding Visas for the International Immersion!

The final version of the FAQ (dated 5-8-09) for the International Immersion has now been posted. If you and/or your companion have not yet secured your visa(s), you will want to carefully read the following directive: 

Chinese authorities have now suspended express service for visas for U.S. citizens.

One interpretation of this action is that it allows the Chinese government to be seen as being extra cautious in addressing the issue of the spread of the H1N1 influenza.

If you do not yet have your visa this means that you need to allow at least two weeks (you will be without your passport during this process) to get your visa for the China program. Hopefully, you have your visa safely in hand and this won't impact you.

If you have not yet applied for your China visa you need to act as soon as possible. There is a chance that, if you can prove your flight to China is already booked, you may be able to work with an agency to speed up the process of obtaining your visa, but don't take any chances.

In addition, if you and/or your companions are participating in the optional Lijiang program and have not yet secured your visa(s), please see the following advice from Chris Runckel of Runckel & Associates:

For those that will go to Lijiang, please omit Lijiang's name in the Chinese visa form (for destination). The reason is because their visa might get delayed for up to 2 weeks by the embassy or the consulate.

Please note that none of the above directives apply to you or your companions if you have already secured your visa(s).

Last updated on May 21, 2009