If the USA is one of your travel destinations while studying in Canada, you may need to obtain a valid visa to pass the border into the US. Depending on your country of citizenship, citizens of some countries may be able to travel to the USA without visa if under the Visa Waiver Program. You can check the list here: Visa Waiver Program.
If you want to apply for a visitor visa to the US, please follow these steps below:
- Fill out form DS-160 on the webpage: DS-160 Form
Note:
- Remember to take a screenshot of the confirmation page with the barcode on it before closing the page.
- Make a note of the application number (located in the upper right corner of the page), because if you accidentally exit without completing the form, you will have an ID to reopen the unfinished form. If you did not note it down and you lose the form, you will need to create a new form again.
- Remember to save your form often because the page will close in 20 minutes if you are inactive on the page.
- Once you complete the form, go to this page to schedule an interview: Schedule a Visa Interview. After that, pay the visa application fee, which is about $160 USD.
Note:
- If you renew your visa but it expired less than 12 months ago, you may be exempted from the interview. You will then receive an email with instructions on how to send your passport and necessary documents to the US Embassy in Canada.
Necessary documents to bring with you on the day of the interview:
- Appointment paper
- Valid passport
- Screenshot of the confirmation page of form DS-160
- Financial documents that ensure you can afford the trip (bank statements, or pay slips, etc.)
- 1 passport photo (you can take it at Canada Post stores, Costco, Walmart, London Drugs)
- Valid document confirming your current residency status in Canada (PR card, study permit, work permit, etc.)
- Documents proving you have been to the US before (if any)
- Prepare all the documents listed on the Confirmation page that are relevant to the type of visa you are applying for.
Note:
You should bring additional documents related to your current study course:
- Admission confirmation letter, transcript, etc.
- Tuition payment confirmation
- Documents that are not in English need to be translated + notarized into English
- Other documents related to the trip: invitation letter, event information, etc.
- After completing your interview, if the visa is approved, the interviewer will let you know that the passport will be sent to your home by post in 3-5 working days.
* Notes during the interview:
- Arrive at least 15-30 minutes earlier than scheduled time
- Do not bring any bags, backpacks, car keys, cell phones, electrical appliances, liquids, food, or sharp objects into the office area. The US Embassy doesn’t allow you to bring any of this.
- Take someone with you to watch your belongings
- Rent a locker in the facility (it’s not too expensive)
- Put the documents in a clear bag to bring along.
- Answer exactly what you have declared on form DS-160, remember exactly what you declared.
- Prepare a detailed plan for your travel schedule in the US, such as where to go, what to do, which hotel to stay at (the same as you declared in the DS-160 form).
Good luck!
Disclaimer: The information is obtained directly from Government websites. Information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. The information has been gathered as accurately as possible at the time of writing, but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please check the Government’s official website and digital channels.
