Ibrahim Gardner
International students in Canada intending to travel to the United States may need to apply for a U.S. Visitor Visa or a Student Visa, depending on the purpose of their visit. Students travelling for tourism, business, or education can apply for a short-term visa, while those seeking to live and work permanently in the U.S. should apply for an immigrant visa. The application process for a U.S. Visitor Visa involves completing the DS-160 form online, creating an appointment profile, paying the visa application fee, and scheduling a visa interview appointment. International students applying for a Student Visa will need to establish that they meet the requirements under U.S. law and may undergo an interview with a consular officer to determine their eligibility. It is important to initiate the visa application process well in advance, as it can sometimes take several weeks or months to secure an appointment date.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Student Visa (F or M visa), Visitor Visa, Immigrant Visa |
| Who needs it? | International students in Canada travelling to the US for personal travel, conferences, or tourism |
| Who might not need it? | Citizens of countries under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) |
| Application form | DS-160 |
| Application fee | Non-refundable |
| Application process | Online |
| Additional documents | Valid document confirming current residency status in Canada (PR card, study permit, work permit, etc.), documents proving previous travel to the US, admission confirmation letter, transcript, invitation letter, event information, passport |
| Interview | Yes, with a consular officer. May be exempted if visa expired less than 12 months ago. |
| Visa issuance fee | May be applicable based on nationality |
| Processing time | May take several weeks or months |
| Validity | Does not guarantee entry into the US |
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What You'll Learn
Student visa requirements
International students in Canada who want to obtain a US student visa will need to follow a few important steps. Firstly, it is crucial to determine whether a visa is indeed necessary. Citizens of certain countries may be eligible to travel to the US without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If a visa is required, the next step is to complete the online application form DS-160. It is important to print out the confirmation page with a barcode before exiting the form.
After completing the form, applicants will need to create an appointment profile, select a Canada Post pickup location, pay the non-refundable visa application fee, and schedule their visa interview appointment. This interview typically takes place at the US Embassy or Consulate in the applicant's country of residence, and applicants must bring their passport, which must be valid for at least six months beyond their planned stay in the US.
For students seeking an F-1 or J-1 student status, there are additional requirements. They must present a valid Form I-20 (for F-1 status) or DS-2019 (for J-1 status), proof of payment of the I-901 SEVIS fee, and proof of Canadian citizenship, such as a Canadian passport.
It is important to note that new students with an F-1 or M-1 visa will not be permitted to enter the US more than 30 days before the start date of their course. Continuing students with an F-1 or M-1 visa, on the other hand, may enter the US at any time before classes start, as long as they are enrolled at a SEVP-approved school.
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Visa Waiver Program
International students in Canada who are citizens of certain countries may be eligible to travel to the USA without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The VWP is an automated system that determines the eligibility of visitors to travel to the United States.
To be eligible for the VWP, you must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after your planned departure from the United States. You must also have an e-passport, which is an enhanced secure passport with an embedded electronic chip. The chip can be scanned to match the identity of the traveler to the passport.
If you are eligible for the VWP, you can apply for authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). The ESTA application collects biographic information and answers to VWP eligibility questions. It is recommended that travelers apply as soon as they begin preparing their travel plans or before purchasing airline tickets. It is important to note that authorization through ESTA does not guarantee admissibility to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers determine admissibility upon arrival.
Additionally, there are certain restrictions for travelers under the VWP. You are not permitted to extend your stay in the United States beyond the initial admission period. You must depart on or before the date on your admission stamp. You are also not permitted to change your status while in the United States.
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Application process
International students in Canada who plan to travel to the US for tourism, business, education, or other purposes, will need to apply for a US Visitor Visa. This depends on their country of citizenship, as some countries are part of the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
- Complete the DS-160 application form online. Be sure to note down the application number, as this will be required to reopen the form if you exit accidentally.
- Take a screenshot of the confirmation page, which includes a barcode, before closing the page. Print this page out.
- Create your appointment profile, select your Canada Post pickup location, and pay the non-refundable visa application fee.
- Schedule your visa interview appointment.
- Prepare the documents listed on the confirmation page, relevant to the type of visa you are applying for. This includes documents confirming your current residency status in Canada, and any documents proving you have been to the US before.
- Attend the interview. After the interview, the consular officer will inform you if your application requires further administrative processing.
- If your visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on your nationality.
- Your passport and visa will be returned to you by post within 3-5 working days.
Additional Notes:
- If you are renewing your visa and it expired less than 12 months ago, you may be exempt from the interview. You will receive an email with instructions on how to send your passport and documents to the US Embassy in Canada.
- If you are applying for a student visa (F or M visa), you will need to establish that you meet the requirements under US law to receive a visa.
- A student visa is required if you plan to study in the US. You may not study on a Visitor (B) visa, unless you obtain a change of status from USCIS or through the VWP for short periods of recreational study.
- Your spouse and unmarried, minor children who will reside with you during your studies may apply for F-2 or M-2 visas.
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Visa interview
To obtain a US visa while being an international student in Canada, you will need to complete a DS-160 application form online. This form is for short-term visits to the US for tourism, business, education, and other purposes. Once you have completed the form, you will need to schedule a visa interview appointment.
It is important to note that starting May 1, 2025, applicants interviewing at any consular section in Canada must present an Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) confirmation number that matches the application number used to schedule their appointment. Failure to do so may result in having to reschedule the interview and pay new visa fees.
During the visa interview, you may be asked about the purpose and reasons for your visit to the US. You will need to provide a date and address of the place you plan to stay. However, it is okay if your plans change and you end up visiting a different place or on a different date than what you stated in the form.
If you are an international student in Canada applying for a US tourist visa, it is recommended to wait for a few months (6-12 months) after arriving in Canada before applying. This is because applying for a US visa immediately after arriving in Canada may raise suspicion that you are using your Canadian immigration status to gain access to the US.
Additionally, if you are planning to study in the US, you will need to apply for a student visa, which is different from a tourist visa.
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Visa fees
International students in Canada who want to travel to the United States may need to obtain a valid US visa. The visa application process involves several steps, one of which includes paying the visa application fee. The visa application fee for a US tourist visa for international students in Canada is about $160 USD. This fee is classified as a non-petition-based nonimmigrant visa (except E) fee, which is $185.00.
It is important to note that the visa application fee is non-refundable, even if the visa application is denied or if the applicant needs to reschedule their interview due to non-matching application numbers.
There are certain cases where individuals are exempt from paying visa fees. This includes official representatives of foreign governments, members and staff of observer missions to United Nations Headquarters, applicants for diplomatic visas, and their immediate families. Applicants transiting to and from United Nations Headquarters, participating in US government-sponsored programs, or providing charitable services are also exempt from visa fees.
In addition to the visa application fee, there may be other costs associated with the visa process, such as the cost of obtaining required documents and travel to the interview location. It is important for applicants to consider these additional costs when applying for a US visa.
Furthermore, after the visa is approved, there may be a visa issuance fee that applies based on the applicant's nationality. This fee must be paid before receiving the passport and visa.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students in Canada need a valid visa to enter the US. The type of visa depends on the purpose of their visit. For instance, a student visa (F or M visa) is required if the purpose is to study, while a Visitor Visa (B visa) is required for tourism or business purposes.
To apply for a US visa as an international student in Canada, you must first determine the type of visa you need. Once you know the type of visa, you can proceed to fill out the online application form (DS-160) and schedule an interview at a US consulate or embassy. During the interview, a consular officer will determine whether you qualify for the visa and may request additional documents. After the interview, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee and make arrangements for receiving your passport and visa.
The documents required for a US visa application as an international student in Canada include:
- A valid passport.
- Proof of current residency status in Canada (PR card, study permit, work permit, etc.).
- Documents proving previous visits to the US, if applicable.
- Additional documents related to your current studies, such as an admission confirmation letter or transcript.
- Documents related to the purpose of your trip, such as an invitation letter or event information.
