United States Visitor Visa

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Processing times vary depending on which U.S. Embassy or Consulate you apply through. Please visit this U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Canada website for up-to-date information on their operations.

If you are going to visit the United States of America during your stay in Canada, you may require a United States (U.S.) visitor visa depending on your country of citizenship. The U.S. has many different categories of U.S. visas. To visit the U.S., there is the B1 or B2 visa or a combination of both.

If you hold a passport issued by People's Republic of China, and hold a valid B1, B2, or B1/B2 U.S. visitor visa, you must also have valid enrolment in the Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS) to travel to the United States.

If you are from a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country, you do not need a U.S. visitor visa. However, a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is required. You must also have an e-Passport to enter the U.S. unless you have a valid non-immigrant visa. 

Co-operative Education and Career Action has information about working in the U.S.

For more information about travelling to the U.S., see U.S. Customs and Border Protection (PDF).

APPLYING FOR A U.S. VISITOR VISA

We suggest that you apply for a U.S. visitor visa through the U.S. embassy, diplomatic mission, or consulate in your home country prior to coming to Canada.

If you are already in Waterloo, you can apply through the U.S. Consulate General in Toronto or the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa. It is recommended that you wait until you feel you have established ties to Canada before you apply, which usually means you have studied for at least one term.

Whether applying for a U.S. visitor visa for the first time or renewing, the process is the same.

To apply for a U.S. visitor visa, you will need to take the following steps:

  1. If your country of citizenship is on the 6-month exemption list, make sure your passport will be valid during your visit to the U.S. If your country of citizenship is not on the exemption list, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your return. 
  2. Make sure you have a purpose for travelling to the U.S. before you apply. 
  3. Complete the DS-160: Online Non-immigrant Visa Application.

  4. Sign in and create an account on the U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Servicewebsite to pay the application fee. In addition, citizens from certain countries may be charged a reciprocity fee at the visa interview.

  5. Select a Canada Post location where the U.S. government will mail your passport if, after the interview, your visa application is successful. Make sure you have the necessary documents for passport pick-up.

  6. Schedule an appointment for your visa interview through the same account. Interview wait times vary. You may not have to go for an interview if you currently hold or recently held a valid U.S. visa. This will be determined by the U.S. government when filling out the DS-160. Pay close attention to the application and passport delivery instructions.

Note: As a study permit or work permit holder in Canada, the U.S. Consulate in Toronto may waive the visa interview if your last visa expired less than 48 months ago and you are applying for the same type of visa. Once you follow the above steps, depending on your individual situation, you may be provided with additional instructions regarding submitting your documents to the U.S. Consulate rather than going to a visa interview.

DOCUMENTS TO BRING TO THE VISA INTERVIEW

Collect the following original documents to bring to the oral visa interview:

  • DS-160 confirmation barcode page
  • Your passport
  • A copy of your current study permit (and work permit if applicable)
  • Visa photo taken within the last six months that meets the requirements
  • If you are a graduate student in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) discipline, bring your current resume/curriculum vitae, a description of your past and current research, and a list of your scientific publications

  • A proof of enrolment letter from the University of Waterloo confirming registration for the current term, past academic terms, anticipated enrolment, and anticipated completion date. This is to be uploaded to your online application under Letter of Acceptance. 

    • Get your free proof of enrolment letter in Quest which will confirm your student enrolment status. The letter includes your student ID number, enrolment status, enrolment history, program length and anticipated completion date. 

    • If you receive a message directing you to order a modified proof of enrolment letter, you will receive instructions from The Centre. Note there is a fee for students who require a modified proof of enrolment letter.
  • Official transcript in a sealed envelope from the University
    • Go in person to the Student Service Centre on the first floor of Needles Hall to request a physical official transcript or submit the official transcript – paper copy form and pick it up there.

Important reminders about the visa interview:

  • Read the appointment requirements letter you receive when you book the interview.
  • Cell phones and backpacks are not permitted in the interview building. Find a storage locker ahead of time, or have a friend go to Toronto with you to watch your belongings.
  • Dress appropriately as you are not admitted into the building until 15 minutes prior to your appointment time.

AFTER VISITING THE U.S.

When a non-U.S. citizen enters Canada, a valid passport, study permit, and temporary resident visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) are required. 

If you are travelling from Canada, solely to the United States, and back to Canada, not entering any other country, there is a TRV exemption policy R190(3)(f) in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. If you are travelling by air, we strongly recommend that you have a valid TRV.

If you are studying in Canada for less than six months and do not have a study permit, you will require proof that your temporary resident status in Canada is current. The stamp in your passport allows you to stay in Canada until the date written, or if no date is written, up to six months from date of entry. Provided your stamp is still valid, you can re-enter Canada without additional approval. However, if you visited another country on the same trip (Mexico, for example), you may require the TRV or eTA depending on your country of citizenship.

Returning your I-94 card

Travelling by road

You will be given a white or green I-94 card when you enter the U.S. by road. When you leave the U.S., it is important to return your I-94 card to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer so that your departure is recorded. If you are returning to the U.S. within 30 days of last entry into Canada, you can use the same I-94 card if it was not returned to the CBP and it is still valid. If a CBP officer does not collect your I-94 card, mail the card and proof of departure using the U.S. CBP postal and documentation instructions.

Travelling by air

I-94 cards are no longer issued for travel by air or sea as the travel information is collected electronically. If you travel by road into the U.S. and travel by air out of the U.S., your card will be collected at the airport. If it is not collected, you should keep your boarding pass to show the border officer on your next visit to the U.S. This will prove that you left the country after your last visit.