Travel Rules For International Students In Canada To The Us

International students in Canada may be able to travel to the US, but this depends on several factors. Firstly, it depends on the country of citizenship, as citizens of certain countries may be able to travel to the US without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Secondly, it depends on the purpose and duration of the visit, as well as the mode of travel. For instance, those visiting the US by air may have different requirements than those travelling by land. In addition, international students in Canada may need to obtain a US Visitor Visa or a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter the US, and they should ensure that all their immigration documents are in order before their trip.

International students in Canada may require a US Visitor Visa to enter the US

International students in Canada may need to apply for a US Visitor Visa if they plan to travel to the United States. This is dependent on their country of citizenship. Citizens of certain countries may be eligible to travel to the US without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). However, it is important to note that citizens of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea, and Cuba are not eligible for the Automatic Visa Revalidation process, and will need to apply for a new visa stamp if their previous one has expired.

To apply for a US Visitor Visa in Canada, students must complete a DS-160 application form online and print the confirmation page with a barcode. They must then create an appointment profile, select a Canada Post pickup location, pay the non-refundable visa application fee, and schedule their visa interview appointment. It is recommended that students have all the necessary documentation, such as proof of funds, transcripts, and enrollment confirmations, before travelling to the US. Additionally, students should ensure that their United States immigration documents are in order before their trip, including a valid SEVIS Form I-20, a valid F visa stamp in their passport, and evidence of monetary support.

It is important to note that if an international student applies for a visa stamp in Canada and it is not approved, they will not be permitted to re-enter the US and may need to return to their home country directly. Therefore, it is advisable to consult an advisor at the International Student Services Office before travelling to the US. Additionally, students should be aware that the process of obtaining a US visa can be challenging, and they should be prepared for their visa interview. Being well-prepared and having a clear itinerary can increase the chances of a successful visa application.

Furthermore, students should be mindful of the timing of their visa application. It is recommended to apply for a visitor visa well in advance of their planned trip to ensure that they receive their visa on time. Additionally, students who are waiting for their study permit extension application and need to travel to the US should connect with International Student Advising before travelling. Overall, international students in Canada should carefully research the requirements and processes for obtaining a US Visitor Visa before planning their travel to the United States.

Citizens of certain countries may be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of designated countries to travel to the US for business or tourism purposes for a maximum of 90 days without a visa. The program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with the Department of State. Since its inception in 1986, the VWP has evolved into a comprehensive security partnership with many of America's closest allies.

The VWP utilizes a risk-based, multi-layered approach to detect and prevent terrorists, serious criminals, and other mala fide actors from traveling to the United States. Participation in the VWP requires countries to increase counterterrorism, law enforcement, and immigration enforcement cooperation with the United States.

To be eligible for the VWP, countries must meet various requirements, including enhanced law enforcement and security-related data sharing with the United States. Citizens or nationals from VWP countries must obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to traveling to the US under the VWP. ESTA is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the US under the VWP. It collects biographic information and answers to VWP eligibility questions. It is recommended that travelers apply for ESTA approval as soon as they begin planning their trip to the US.

It is important to note that an approved ESTA does not guarantee entry into the United States. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port of entry have the authority to permit or deny admission to the country. If you are admitted to the US under the VWP, you may take a short trip to Canada, Mexico, or a nearby island and generally be readmitted to the US under the VWP for the remainder of the original 90 days granted upon your initial arrival.

Automatic Visa Revalidation allows students to return to the US on an expired visa, if their stay in Canada is under 30 days

International students in Canada intending to travel to the US must ensure that all their immigration documents are in order. This includes a valid SEVIS Form I-20, signed by an advisor at their International Student Services Office, evidence of monetary support, and a valid F visa stamp in their passport. However, some students may qualify for Automatic Visa Revalidation, which allows them to return to the US on an expired visa under certain conditions.

Automatic Visa Revalidation is a process that enables most students to return to the US from Canada on an expired visa stamp, provided their stay in Canada does not exceed 30 days. This process is particularly useful when a student needs to renew their passport or visa while in Canada. To benefit from Automatic Visa Revalidation, students must carry specific documents, such as Form I-20 and Form I-94, and ensure they meet all the criteria for revalidation.

It is important to note that citizens of certain countries, including Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea, and Cuba, are not eligible for Automatic Visa Revalidation. Students from these countries must apply for a new visa stamp at a US consulate or embassy if their visa will be expired upon re-entry to the US. Additionally, students with terminated SEVIS records indicating they are out of status or those who have applied for a new visa that has been denied will not be able to revalidate their visa automatically.

When travelling by air, students should confirm that their airline is familiar with the visa revalidation process and will issue a boarding pass despite the expired US visa in their passport. It is recommended that students carry relevant documentation, such as the CBP article on automatic visa revalidation, and print the associated regulations. By following these guidelines, international students in Canada can take advantage of Automatic Visa Revalidation to return to the US on an expired visa after a short stay in Canada.

Citizens of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea, and Cuba are not eligible for Automatic Visa Revalidation

International students in Canada are generally able to travel to the US, but they must ensure their US immigration documents are in order. This includes a valid SEVIS Form I-20, signed by an advisor at their International Student Services Office, a valid F visa stamp in their passport (unless they qualify for Automatic Visa Revalidation), and evidence of monetary support. Students should also be aware that they may need to apply for a US Visitor Visa, depending on their country of citizenship.

Automatic Visa Revalidation allows students to re-enter the US with an expired visa, but only if they have been travelling in a neighbouring country or an adjacent island for less than 30 days. This includes Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean Islands. However, citizens of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea, and Cuba are not eligible for Automatic Visa Revalidation. These students must apply for a new visa stamp at a US consulate or embassy if their visa will be expired upon re-entry to the US. This is because these countries have been designated by the US government as state sponsors of terrorism.

Students who are not eligible for Automatic Visa Revalidation and who need to apply for a new visa stamp should be aware that they will not be able to return to the US until their visa is issued. In some cases, this could take several weeks if a background check is required. If the visa is denied, the student will not be able to return to the US and may need to travel to their home country directly from Canada. It is important to note that applying for a visa stamp while abroad disqualifies a person from re-entry using Automatic Visa Revalidation.

In addition to the standard documentation required for US immigration, students who are not eligible for Automatic Visa Revalidation and who need to apply for a new visa stamp may need to provide additional documentation, such as transcripts from the first semester of their studies, confirmation of enrolment in the second semester, and bank statements. They may also need to provide a description of their current and past research, as well as a list of scientific publications if they are enrolled in a STEM graduate program. Criminal/court records, translation of non-English documents, and supporting documents related to their travel may also be required.

If your visa application is rejected, you may need to return to your home country

International students in Canada intending to travel to the US may require a US Visitor Visa depending on their country of citizenship. Citizens of certain countries may be able to travel to the US without a visa if they are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). It is important to note that international students on F or J visas are advised against travelling to Canada to obtain a new US visa stamp.

If your US visa application is rejected, you may need to return to your home country. Visa issuance and refusal data is shared between the US and Canada, and while a US visa rejection does not automatically disqualify you from entering Canada, it is a factor that will be considered. It is important to be honest and declare any previous visa rejections when applying for a Canadian visa.

If your Canadian visa application is rejected, you will need to review the reasons for the rejection, correct any mistakes, and provide additional information as needed before reapplying. You may also want to consult an immigration consultant or visa specialist to strengthen your application. It is important to learn from your previous application and make any necessary improvements.

If you are an international student in Canada and your US visa application is rejected, you may need to return to your home country to reapply for a US visa. It is important to note that you cannot apply for a US visa stamp in Canada and then return to the US; you must apply for the visa stamp from your home country.

In summary, if your visa application is rejected, it is important to understand the reasons for the rejection, make any necessary improvements, and seek professional guidance if needed. You may need to return to your home country to reapply for a visa, depending on the specific circumstances of your situation.

Frequently asked questions