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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. Completing the DS-160 Step 1 – Accessing the Application
Read the instructions and press “Start Application”
Step 1 – Accessing the Application

13. 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

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

15. 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”

16. 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)

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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”

20. 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

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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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

28. 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 the confirmation to someone else (e.g., if you are completing the application for another person)

29. 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

30. Application Process http://Canada.USvisa-info.com
Complete the DS-160 application
Ceac.state.gov/genniv
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

31. Application Process Four Options
Complete the DS-160 application
Ceac.state.gov/genniv
Four Options
Telephone. Ottawa or toll-free from out of the area
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.

32. 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

33. Questions?