Janice Lozano
International students in Canada who want to visit the United States may need a US Visitor Visa, depending on their country of citizenship. Those who are citizens of certain countries may be able to enter the US without a visa if they are covered by the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). To apply for a visitor visa to the US while in Canada, applicants must complete a DS-160 application form online, create an appointment profile, select a Canada Post pickup location, pay a non-refundable visa application fee, and schedule a visa interview appointment. Students seeking to study in the US will need to apply for a Student Visa (F or M) and must first be accepted to a SEVP-approved school in the US.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa requirement for international students in Canada visiting the US | May require a U.S. Visitor Visa depending on citizenship; citizens of certain countries may be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) |
| Application form | DS-160 |
| Application fee | Non-refundable |
| Visa interview | Required; must present Form I-20 to the consular officer |
| Visa type | Student (F or M) visa |
| Visa validity | Issued up to 365 days before the start date of the course; entry into the US allowed up to 30 days before the start date |
| Visa issuance fee | May be applicable depending on nationality |
| Visa renewal | Allowed; renewal instructions provided if eligible for an interview waiver |
| Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) | Not required when returning from the US by land; required when travelling by air |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) | Not required when re-entering Canada after visiting the US |
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What You'll Learn
US Visitor Visa
International students in Canada who want to visit the United States may need to apply for a US Visitor Visa (B1/B2 visa). The type of visa required depends on the country of citizenship and the purpose of travel. Citizens of certain countries may be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows them to travel to the US without a visa.
To apply for a US Visitor Visa in Canada, individuals can follow these steps:
- Complete the DS-160 application form online. Print the confirmation page with the barcode before exiting.
- Create an appointment profile, select a Canada Post pickup location, pay the non-refundable visa application fee, and schedule the visa interview appointment.
- Attend the visa interview and bring all the required documents, including the confirmation page from the DS-160 form.
It is important to note that the US Visitor Visa is not meant for studying in the United States. International students seeking to pursue a degree or certificate in the US should apply for a Student Visa (F or M visa). This involves enrolling in a SEVP-approved school, registering for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and obtaining a Form I-20 before applying for the student visa at a US Embassy or Consulate.
Additionally, for those seeking to work in the US, there are visa categories for temporary foreign workers, such as the H1B visa. Each visa category has specific requirements and restrictions, so it is essential to review the relevant information provided by official government sources.
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Non-immigrant Visa
International students in Canada intending to visit the US may require a US Visitor Visa. This depends on their country of citizenship, as citizens of certain countries can travel to the US without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
For a Non-Immigrant Visa, applicants are required to schedule an appointment through the Official US Visa Information and Appointment Service. The online Non-Immigrant Visa application can be found on the US Department of State website.
To apply for a visitor visa to the US in Canada, applicants must:
- Complete a DS-160 application form online. Be sure to print out the confirmation page with a barcode before exiting.
- Create an appointment profile, select a Canada Post pickup location, pay the non-refundable visa application fee, and schedule a visa interview appointment.
It is important to note that the DS-160 Application number should be updated no later than 3 business days before the appointment date to avoid the risk of being turned away.
For students who are only visiting the US and travelling by land, a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is not required when returning from the US to Canada. However, it is recommended to renew the TRV if possible. If travelling by air, it is advised to confirm with the airline.
Students who are enrolled in a SEVP-approved school in the US will receive a Form I-20 and must register in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). They can then apply for a student visa (F or M) at a US Embassy or Consulate and must present the Form I-20 during the visa interview.
Spouses and/or children who will accompany the student in the US must also enrol in SEVIS, obtain individual Form I-20s, and apply for a visa, but they are exempt from paying the SEVIS fee.
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Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
International students in Canada intending to visit the United States may require a US Visitor Visa. This depends on their country of citizenship, as some countries are exempted from obtaining a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
Now, if you are an international student in Canada and you need to obtain a US Visitor Visa, you will have to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). A TRV is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals who require visas to enter Canada. It is also commonly referred to as an entry visa or visitor visa. To apply for a TRV, you must do so at the Canadian visa office responsible for your country or region before coming to Canada. A visa officer will review your TRV application and decide whether to issue a visa. There are two types of TRVs:
- Single Entry Visa: This type of TRV allows you to come to Canada only one time. Once you have left Canada, excluding travel to the United States and St. Pierre and Miquelon, you will need a new visa to re-enter Canada.
- Multiple Entry Visa: This type of TRV allows visitors to come and go from Canada for up to six months at a time without having to reapply each time.
The TRV is generally valid for up to 10 years or one month before your passport expires, whichever is earlier. You must arrive in Canada on or before the expiry date on your visa. If you want to extend your stay in Canada as a visitor, you must apply to do so before your status expires, ideally 30 days beforehand.
To apply for a US Visitor Visa in Canada, you can follow these steps:
- Complete the DS-160 application form online and print out the confirmation page with the barcode.
- Create your appointment profile, select your Canada Post pickup location, pay the non-refundable visa application fee, and schedule your visa interview appointment.
Please note that wait times for interview appointments vary based on location, season, and visa category. Therefore, it is recommended to apply for your visa early.
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Student Visa (F or M)
International students in Canada who wish to travel to the US to study must obtain a Student Visa (F or M). The type of visa required (F or M) depends on the course of study and the type of school the applicant plans to attend.
The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows full-time enrolment in an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution, including language training programs. The school must be authorised by the US government to accept foreign students, and the course of study must culminate in a degree, diploma, or certificate. F-1 students may accept on-campus employment after the first academic year, subject to certain conditions and restrictions.
The M-1 Visa (Vocational Student) is for students enrolled in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. Similar to the F-1 visa, the school must be authorised by the US government to accept foreign students. For both F-1 and M-1 visas, any off-campus training or employment must be related to the student's area of study and authorised by the Designated School Official and USCIS.
To apply for a student visa, the first step is to apply to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school in the US. Once accepted, the student will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The SEVP-approved school will issue a Form I-20, which must be presented during the visa interview.
After receiving Form I-20 and registering for SEVIS, applicants may schedule a visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. Wait times for interview appointments vary, so it is recommended to apply early. The visa application fee is typically paid before the interview, and if the visa is approved, a visa issuance fee may also apply depending on the applicant's nationality. During the interview, the consular officer will determine whether the applicant qualifies for a student visa, and ink-free digital fingerprint scans will be taken. A visa does not guarantee entry into the US but allows a foreign citizen to travel there.
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Immigrant Visa
International students in Canada who wish to travel to the United States must obtain a visa. The type of visa required depends on the purpose of travel. For instance, a student visa (F or M visa) is necessary for those travelling to the US to study. To obtain a student visa, the first step is to apply for and gain acceptance at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school in the US. Once accepted, the student is registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The SEVP-approved school will then issue a Form I-20, which must be presented during the visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. Spouses and dependent children accompanying the student to the US must also enrol in SEVIS, obtain individual Form I-20s, and apply for their visas, although they are exempt from paying the SEVIS fee.
Students who are already in the US on a visitor (B) visa and wish to change their status to student must apply to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for this change prior to the start of their program. They cannot begin their course of study until the change of status is approved, and they may encounter lengthy processing times. Alternatively, students may depart the US and re-enter on their student (F or M) visa. Those who are authorised for Optional Practical Training (OPT) must have a Form I-20 endorsed for OPT and must apply to the USCIS for an Employment Authorisation Document (EAD). OPT refers to temporary employment directly related to the eligible student's area of study.
It is important to note that citizens of certain countries may be eligible to travel to the US under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) without needing a visa. However, students cannot travel under the VWP and must obtain a student visa (F or M) to enter the US for their studies. Additionally, those with specific plans, such as marrying a US citizen or receiving a job offer, may need to request a change in their nonimmigrant status through the USCIS. Any changes in status while in the US do not require a new visa. However, once an individual departs the US, they must apply for a new visa at a US Embassy or Consulate in the appropriate category for their travel.
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