USA Visitor Visa

Visitor Visa

Processing times vary depending on which U.S. Embassy or Consulate you apply through. Please visit this U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Canada website for up-to-date information on their operations.

If you are going to visit the United States of America during your stay in Canada, you may require a United States (U.S.) visitor visa depending on your country of citizenship. The U.S. has many different categories of U.S. visas. To visit the U.S., there is the B1 or B2 visa or a combination of both.

If you are from a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country, you do not need a U.S. visitor visa. However, a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is required. You must also have an e-Passport to enter the U.S. unless you have a valid non-immigrant visa.

Co-operative Education and Career Action has information about working in the U.S.

Applying for a U.S. Visitor Visa

We suggest that you apply for a U.S. visitor visa through the U.S. embassy, diplomatic mission, or consulate in your home country prior to coming to Canada.

If you are already in A1 5AAB Immigration Services Inc., you can apply by contacting us. It is recommended that you wait until you feel you have established ties to Canada before you apply, which usually means you have studied for at least one term.

Whether applying for a U.S. visitor visa for the first time or renewing, the process is the same.

To apply for a U.S. visitor visa, you will need to take the following steps:

1. 1. If your country of citizenship is on the 6-month exemption list, make sure your passport will be valid during your visit to the U.S. If your country of citizenship is not on the exemption list, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your return.
2. 2. Make sure you have a purpose for travelling to the U.S. before you apply.
3. 3. Complete the DS-160: Online Non-immigrant Visa Application.

4. 4. Sign in and create an account on the U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Service website to pay the application fee. In addition, citizens from certain countries may be charged a reciprocity fee at the visa interview.

5. 5. Select a Canada Post location where the U.S. government will mail your passport if, after the interview, your visa application is successful. Make sure you have the necessary documents for passport pick-up.

6. 6. Schedule an appointment for your visa interview through the same account. Interview wait times vary. You may not have to go for an interview if you currently hold or recently held a valid U.S. visa. This will be determined by the U.S. government when filling out the DS-160. Pay close attention to the application and passport delivery instructions.

Note: As a study permit or work permit holder in Canada, the U.S. Consulate in Toronto may waive the visa interview if your last visa expired less than 48 months ago and you are applying for the same type of visa. Once you follow the above steps, depending on your individual situation, you may be provided with additional instructions regarding submitting your documents to the U.S. Consulate rather than going to a visa interview.