Beginning October 22, 2008, all applicants applying for nonimmigrant visas in Montréal and Vancouver must use the new DS-160 application form.
After completing the new DS-160, the applicant will electronically submit the application and will be provided with a confirmation page that includes only limited biographical information and a bar code. Applicants must bring this confirmation page with them to their interview.
Note: If the online application has not been completed fully and properly the applicant's case cannot be processed and a new interview appointment will be required.
This first pilot version of the DS-160 will only be available in English. Future versions will allow the user to see translations of the site in other languages, including French.
Citizens of certain countries may not require a visa to enter the U.S. for a stay of up to 90 days. For a complete list of these countries and the conditions which apply, please follow the link provided below.
Citizens of most British Commonwealth countries are now required to obtain a visa in advance of travel to the U.S. The link below provides detailed information.
You may obtain more information by telephone from the Visa Appointment Reservation System. They can answer your questions and assist you in a variety of ways.
1-888-840-0032 from either the U.S. or Canada - you will be asked to provide your credit card number. CA$1.59/minute
1-900-451-2778 from within Canada - you will be charged CA$1.89 per minute
1-900-443-3131 from within the U.S. - you will be charged US$1.89 per minute
Many office phones and all pay phones are set to block calls to 900 numbers. If the 900 telephone service is not available to you, please use the 888 number above.
General questions regarding entry into the U.S. may be directed to one of the U.S. Ports of Entry along the US/Canada border or to one of the pre-clearance stations at principal Canadian airports.
For a detailed list of the different categories of U.S. visas and the documentation required to support each of them, please use the link below.
If your flight to or from Canada will involve a stop in the U.S. you must have a U.S. transit visa or other U.S. visa. More detailed information is linked below.
In general, all applicants must appear in person for the visa interview at which time, in addition to an interview, the consular officer will digitally capture the fingerprints of applicants ages 14 - 79. Under very limited circumstances the personal appearance requirement may be waived (medical emergencies) but the applicant must still be physically present in the district where the application is submitted. In the case of applicants under 14 years, a parent or guardian must appear in person to accompany.
If you do not qualify for an exemption under the Visa Waiver Program then you must schedule your appointment through the Visa Appointment Reservation System, either online or by telephone.
Regardless of the circumstances of how your visa application will be delivered, the required documentation is the same. This information is detailed below.
The visa Application Fee must be paid in advance at any branch of Scotia Bank. Here is detailed information, including printable deposit slips for you to take to the bank before your appointment.
If you are in need of an emergency or an expedited visa appointment, use the following link for instructions.
Heightened security concerns may result in delays in the processing of certain visa applications. For this reason, it is recommended that you submit your application well in advance of planned travel to the U.S. if possible. The page linked below provides more information.
If you want to become a lawful permanent resident based on the fact that you have a relative who is a citizen of the United States or a relative who is a lawful permanent resident, please follow the link below for detailed information.
The Legal Immigration Family Equity Act provides a non-immigrant category within the immigration law that allows the spouse or child of a U.S. citizen to be admitted to the United States in a non-immigrant category. The admission allows the spouse or child to complete processing for permanent residence while in the United States. It also allows those admitted in the new category to have permission for employment while they await processing of their case to permanent resident status. Please follow the link below for detailed information from the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Some temporary visitors to the U.S. may be required to follow new registration requirements. Please see the page linked below for more information.
Visitors to the U.S. who require a visa will find information about new Entry and Exit Procedures at the page linked below.
Any person with a past criminal record may be denied a U.S. Visa or entry into the United States. The page linked below provides information about application for a Waiver of Ineligibility.
Some persons born abroad have a claim to U.S. citizenship. There are different procedures for adults and for children. The link below provides general information.
Members of Canada's First Nations and Native Americans born in Canada may travel freely across the U.S/Canada border under the terms of the Jay Treaty. More information is available at the page linked below.
