Applying for a U.S. Visa U.S. Embassy, Ottawa November 2010

What is a U.S. Visa? Allows the holder to apply for admission to the United States, in a given status, at a port of entry Customs and Border Patrol officer decides permitted length of stay at port of entry I-94 issued at port of entry includes length of stay

Who needs a Visa? Canadian Permanent Residents Third Country Nationals Individuals possessing Canadian Work or Student Permits Nationals from Visa Waiver Countries do not need a visa if the purpose of their trip is tourism or business ≤ 90 days For Visa Waiver, describe ESTA requirement to register online 72 hours before attempted entry, but not for land border crossings.

Visa Categories Visitor (business / tourism)Visa (B-1/B-2) Student Visa (F-1) requires I-20 J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa (J-1) requires DS-2019 Temporary Work Permit (H1-B) requires I-129/I-797

Application Requirements Online DS-160 application Online appointment USD$140 fee for B1/B2, F, and J visas USD$150 fee for H visas Recent color photograph with neutral background Passport (preferably with at least six months of validity) Digital fingerprints taken on-site Interview

Documents To Bring (Students) Current official transcripts showing grades from completed courses Certification of enrollment Scholarship or sponsorship letter Proof of other financial support Old passports showing prior travel

Students in the Sciences Graduate students pursuing independent research in Science based fields should also bring: Curriculum Vita (CV) listing all papers and presentations Letter from academic advisor describing the nature of your research Conference invitation Abstract of paper or poster you are presenting

Not everyone gets a Visa Refusals do happen Come prepared with documents Must be entering the U.S. for the purpose stated Must be returning to Canada Must have strong ties to Canada Refusal is not permanent, but time is typically required to establish stronger ties Demonstrate strong ties

Validity and Issuance The length of the Visa varies Reciprocity fees Different visa types Different countries Generally the length of valid student status in Canada Reciprocity fees Administrative Processing

Application Process Complete the DS-160 application Ceac.state.gov/genniv Reserve an appointment at Canada.usvisa-info.com Pay Application Fee Interview At Embassy Fingerprint Receive Visa After processing DHL Office

Application Process Complete the DS-160 application Ceac.state.gov/genniv

Completing the DS-160 Step 1 – Accessing the Application https://ceac.state.gov/genniv Read the instructions and press “Start Application” Step 1 – Accessing the Application https://ceac.state.gov/genniv

Completing the DS-160 Step 2 – Choose the Embassy Choose the Embassy or Consulate where you will apply Step 2 – Choose the Embassy Choose the Embassy or Consulate where you will apply Press “Test Photo” to begin uploading your photo Step 2 – Choose the Embassy Choose the Embassy or Consulate where you will apply

Completing the DS-160 Step 3 – Upload Photo Browse to your photo and press “Upload Selected Photo”

Completing the DS-160 Step 3 – Upload Photo Browse to your photo and press “Upload Selected Photo” If your photo meets the quality standards, you can press “Continue Using This Photo”

Completing the DS-160 Step 3 – Upload Photo Browse to your photo and press “Upload Selected Photo” If your photo meets the quality standards, you can press “Continue Using This Photo” If your photo does not pass, press “Continue Without A Photo” (BRING A PASSPORT PHOTO)

Completing the DS-160 Step 4 – Complete Form Complete all questions carefully and accurately. Providing inaccurate information or leaving required items blank will only delay your application

Completing the DS-160 Saving an Application If you can’t finish in one sitting, you can save the application to your hard drive and continue later Press “Save” at the bottom of any data entry page

Completing the DS-160 Saving an Application If you can’t finish in one sitting, you can save the application to your hard drive and continue later Press “Save” at the bottom of any data entry page Press “Save Application to File”

Completing the DS-160 Saving an Application If you can’t finish in one sitting, you can save the application to your hard drive and continue later Press “Save” at the bottom of any data entry page Press “Save Application to File” Press “Save” and navigate to the place you want to save your application

Completing the DS-160 Tips If a question doesn’t apply to you, you must check the “Does Not Apply” box

Completing the DS-160 Tips If a question doesn’t apply to you, you must check the “Does Not Apply” box Answer fully and include as much detail as you can

Completing the DS-160 Tips If a question doesn’t apply to you, you must check the “Does Not Apply” box Answer fully and include as much detail as you can Be especially careful with the yes/no questions near the end – misrepresenting the facts can result in a permanent ban

Completing the DS-160 Step 5 – Reviewing Your Application You have an opportunity to review and edit all your answers before submitting your application Check carefully that everything is correct – it’s impossible to make changes later

Completing the DS-160 Step 6 – Submitting Your Application Once you submit your application, you can’t change it Pressing “Sign and Submit Application” constitutes your electronic signature, certifying that all the answers on the application are true

Completing the DS-160 Step 7 – Printing Your Confirmation Page Print the confirmation page You only need to bring the printed confirmation sheet to the interview

Completing the DS-160 Step 7 – Printing Your Confirmation Page Print the confirmation page You only need to bring the printed confirmation sheet to the interview You can print the entire application for your own records if you wish

Completing the DS-160 Step 7 – Printing Your Confirmation Page Print the confirmation page You only need to bring the printed confirmation sheet to the interview You can print the entire application for your own records if you wish You can e-mail the confirmation to someone else (e.g., if you are completing the application for another person)

Completing the DS-160 Step 7 – Printing Your Confirmation Letter (cont) This is what the confirmation page looks like if your photo was not uploaded You will need to bring a photo with you to the interview

Application Process http://Canada.USvisa-info.com Complete the DS-160 application Ceac.state.gov/genniv http://Canada.USvisa-info.com Must have already completed DS-160 Will need Passport Number, Date of Birth, and Nationality Be careful to select the proper DHL location for pick-up (Nepean is closest to Ottawa) Reserve and appointment at Canada.usvisa-info.com

Application Process Four Options Complete the DS-160 application Ceac.state.gov/genniv Four Options Telephone. Ottawa - 613.800.0917 or toll-free from out of the area - 877.341.2441. Scotia Bank. Complete the online appointment and select Scotia Bank. Print out receipt and pay at any branch. Return to website to enter MRV Fee Receipt Number. Credit Card. Follow directions on the online appointment web site. PayPal. Click the PayPal link when completing online appointment, print confirmation, and enter MRV Fee Receipt Number. Reserve and appointment at Canada.usvisa-info.com Pay Application Fee Telephone. When applicant calls and pays with credit card, operator will provide a confirmation number. Write it down. When scheduling appointment on website, applicant will need this confirmation number.

Application Process Complete the DS-160 application Ceac.state.gov/genniv Reserve and appointment at Canada.usvisa-info.com Pay Application Fee Interview At Embassy Fingerprint Receive Visa After processing DHL Office

Questions? www.consular.canada.usembassy.gov/ottawa.asp