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How to Apply for a U.S. Visa from Canada

Last Updated: December 27, 2023 References

This article was co-authored by Miatrai Brown, Esq. . Miatrai Brown is an Immigration Lawyer based in Washington D.C. With over 10 years of academic and professional experience, her areas of focus include employment-based nonimmigrant and immigrant visas, investment-based immigration, family-based immigration, risk management assessment, and regulatory compliance. She began her legal career exclusively practicing immigration and nationality law as external immigration counsel to large U.S. corporations and fast-moving start-ups. After six years at top immigration firms, she opened her own practice, Direct U.S. Immigration. This move was motivated by her desire to provide more access to a high level of immigration support to clients worldwide. As a thoughtful and strategic advisor on immigration and related matters, Direct U.S. Immigration earned an impressive honor as Immigration Law Firm of the Year 2023 – Washington DC. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 21,581 times.

Most Canadian citizens do not need a visa to travel to the United States. However, there are a few specific instances in which Canadians will need to obtain a visa before entering the U.S. If you fall into any of these narrow categories, you’ll need to apply for—and obtain—a U.S. visa. All visa applications must be made online. You can apply for a visa online through the U.S. State Department website. Prior to receiving your American visa, you’ll need to appear for an in-person interview at the U.S. embassy in Ottawa, or at any of 6 consulates in Canada.

Determining Which Visa You Need

• Apply for an A visa if you’re a Canadian government official entering the U.S. for a work assignment.
• Apply for a G visa if you’re an employee of an international organization entering the U.S. for a work assignment.
• Apply for a non-immigrant visa if you’re a NATO employee being assigned to work in the U.S.

• Treaty traders must apply for an E-1 visa, while treaty investors must apply for an E-2 visa.

• As a part of the fiancé visa application process, you’ll need to fill out form I-129F. Access more information and the form itself online at: https://www.uscis.gov/i-129f .
• All fiancé visa interviews must be held in Montreal. So, you’ll need to travel to Montreal for the interview portion of your interview application.

• When applying for a V-1 visa, you’ll also need to fill out Forms I-539 and I-693. Find links to the forms, and learn more, at: https://www.uscis.gov/family/family-green-card-holders-permanent-residents/v-visa/v-nonimmigrant-visas .
• Your children will need to have an application for a V-2 visa filled out in their name(s) as well.

Completing the Online Application

• From this site, you can also continue an existing application that you’ve previously worked on and saved.

• You can access the DS-160 application form online at: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/ .
• To see a sample DS-160 form before beginning your online application, visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/PDF-other/DS-160_Example.pdf .
• As part of the DS-160 online filing process, you’ll also select the consulate at which you’d like to have your interview.

• If you don’t have a current digital photo, you can take one using a smartphone, then upload it to the computer on which you’re filling out your visa application. Or, visit a professional photography agency.

• The fee is for $160 USD.

• You can find American Consulate telephone numbers online at: https://www.usembassy.gov/ . Type “Canada” into the search bar, and scroll down to find the Consulate location you’re closest to.
• If you pass the interview, the consulate staff will issue you your visa.

Expert Q&A

• The 6 U.S. consulates in Canada are located in: Halifax, Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Montreal, and Quebec City. [9] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about citizenship and immigration, check out our in-depth interview with Miatrai Brown, Esq. .

• ↑ https://ca.usembassy.gov/visas/do-i-need-a-visa/
• ↑ https://ca.usembassy.gov/visas/treaty-trader-and-investor-visas/
• ↑ https://ca.usembassy.gov/visas/fiancee/
• ↑ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/forms/ds-160-online-nonimmigrant-visa-application/ds-160-faqs.html
• ↑ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos.html
• ↑ https://lostintheleafcity.com/apply-for-us-non-immigrant-visa-from-canada/
• ↑ https://ca.usembassy.gov/visas/contact-information/

About this article

To apply for a U.S. visa from Canada, first decide which type of visa you’ll need. For example, if you’re traveling to the U.S. for work, you should apply for a non-immigrant visa. Alternatively, if you’re the fiance of an American citizen, you should apply for a K-1 visa. To complete the online application, visit the visa information website for the U.S. Embassy in Canada and click apply. After you fill in your information, you’ll need to upload a recent photo of yourself, pay the $160 visa fee, and attend an in-person interview at a U.S. consulate. For advice on taking an acceptable visa photo, read on. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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I am visiting the U.S. and I want to come to Canada. Do I need an eTA?

Most travellers need a visitor visa or an eTA to travel to, or transit through, Canada.

What you need depends on:

• the type of travel document you will travel with;
• the country that issued your travel document;
• your nationality; and
• how you will travel to Canada.

Before you apply , find out what you need .

New entry requirement now in effect

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens , and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA.

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Visitor Visa checklist: Everything you need to apply and visit Canada

A visitor visa is needed to come to Canada as a tourist, or on a quick trip to visit family, or do business for individuals of many countries.

Anyone who is not a permanent or temporary resident of Canada (those with a work or study permit) will need a visitor visa to enter the country. However, citizens of certain countries do not need a visitor visa and can instead pursue an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). eTAs are a more streamlined form or travel authorisation available to nationals of countries that have visa-free travel agreements with Canada. For answers to common questions on eTAs, click here .

Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

What is needed to get a Canadian visitor visa?

1. Complete the needed forms

Depending on whether you are applying inside or outside of Canada, you will need to fill in different forms. Those applying outside of Canada will require:

• Application for temporary resident visa (IMM 5257);
• Family information form (IMM 5707);
• Statutory declaration of common-law union (IMM 5409);
• Use of representative (IMM 5476)—Note this is only required if you have used the services of a representative, or if you are appointing or cancelling use of a representative; and
• Authority to release personal information to a designated individual (IMM 5475)—Note this form is only required if you authorise Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) to release information from your case file to someone other than yourself (i.e.: a representative or authorised relative).

2. Collect the needed documentation

In addition to the above forms, applicants for a visitor visa will need to following documentation in support of their request:

• Receipt of fee payment;
• A photocopy of the information page of your passport, including: the passport number, issuance and expiry dates, and your photo, name, issue date, and place of birth;
• Two photos meeting the requirements of the visa application photograph specifications . On the back of these two photos applicants must write their name and date of birth. If applicants are required to provide biometric fingerprints and photo they do not have to attach these photos;
• Proof of financial support, proving that you can support yourself and any family member accompanying you while you are in Canada;
• Photocopy of your marriage license or certificate (if relevant);
• Letter explaining the purpose of your travel;
• Photocopy of your current immigration status (if your country of residence differs from the country of citizenship listed on your passport, you must provide proof of legal status in your country of residence);
• Minors travelling alone or with one parent must provide custody documents or a letter of authorisation from the other non-accompanying parent of a letter of authorisation signed by both parent or legal guardians; and
• Any other additional documents required by the responsible visa office in your region.

Note that application forms completed online must be completed and validated with the generation of a barcode. If completed on a computer, these barcodes will be automatically attached to the immigration forms, otherwise they must be printed and placed at the top of an application if applying by paper.

How to pay required fees and prove fee payment to IRCC

There are two kinds of fees that applicants for a visitor visa may need to pay. These are application processing fees, and biometric fees. Those who do not need to provide biometrics may be exempt from the second set of fees—find out if you need to give biometrics here .

Application processing fees for visitor visas are $100 CAD per person, and $500 CAD for a family (five or more people).

Biometrics fees on the other hand are $85 CAD per person, and $170 per family (two or more people).

These fees may be subject to change and cannot be refunded regardless of the decision reached on your application. In addition, the only accepted method to pay these fees is online.

After following the given instructions and completing the process, you must wait until an official IRCC receipt is issued with a barcode. Applicants are advised to save this file and attach a copy of it to their application.

How to provide proof of financial support

There are several documents that you can use to prove that you can support yourself and any dependents that accompany you while you are visiting Canada.

Some examples include cash, certified cheque, bank draft, or money order in a large enough amount to cover all reasonable expenses incurred during your stay in Canada.

In addition, written or verbal statements (which can be verified) can also be used, provided that they satisfy an officer that sufficient financial support from friends and/or family has been arranged and can cover reasonable incurable expenses during your stay.

Other documents include bank statements, a letter of employment or previous tax filing information,

How to write a “purpose of travel” letter

All foreign nationals entering Canada must be able to satisfy an officer at their time of entry that they have legitimate reasons to enter and reside in Canada. In the context of a visitor visa, this can often also include proving that you (the foreign national) will leave Canada once the period of your authorised stay expires.

In some cases, visitor visa applicants may also need a letter of invitation from a Canadian citizen or permanent resident .

Applying with family members

Visitor visa applicants wishing to bring their family with them on their trip to Canada must complete an application form for each family member. All applications may be submitted together online or at the VAC where you will send your application on paper. A single receipt may also be given for all included applications.

Lastly all family members and dependents must meet all requirements for temporary residence in Canada.

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Advance travel planning and early visa application are important. If you plan to apply for a nonimmigrant visa to come to the United States as a temporary visitor, please review the current wait time for an interview using the tool below. Not all visa applications can be completed on the day of the interview; please read the information below for more details .

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Note: Please check the individual Embassy or Consulate website to determine if your case is eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview.

Applicants scheduling visa appointments in a location different from their place of residence should check post websites for nonresident wait times.

Select a U.S. Embassy or Consulate:

Global Visa Wait Times

Wait Time for Interview

The estimated wait time to receive a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate and is based on workload and staffing and can vary from week to week. The information provided is an estimate and does not guarantee the availability of an appointment.

Wait Time for Interview Waiver

Wait times for applicants eligible for Interview Waiver are applicable only for locations where applicants schedule appointments to submit their passport and any required documents to a U.S. embassy or consulate. The wait time estimate does not account for the time required for a consular officer to adjudicate the application nor mailing time of passports or other documents. Refer to the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section where you will apply to determine your eligibility for Interview Waiver and for instructions for submitting a nonimmigrant visa application. Note that applicants must be a national or resident of the country where they are applying to be eligible to apply via Interview Waiver.

Qualifications for an Expedited Interview Appointment

Consular sections overseas may be able to expedite your interview date if there is an urgent, unforeseen situation such as a funeral, medical emergency, or school start date. The process to request an expedited nonimmigrant visa interview varies by location. You should refer to the instructions on the website of the Embassy or Consulate Visa Section  where you will interview, or on their online appointment scheduling site. You will need to provide proof of the need for an earlier appointment.

In all cases : You must first submit the online visa application form (DS-160), pay the application fee, and schedule the first available interview appointment. Only at this point will a consular section consider your request for an expedited appointment.

Note: Travel for the purpose of attending weddings and graduation ceremonies, assisting pregnant relatives, participating in an annual business/academic/professional conference, or enjoying last-minute tourism does not qualify for expedited appointments. For such travel, please schedule a regular visa appointment well in advance.

These estimates do not include time required for administrative processing, which may affect some applications. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances of each case.

There are only two possible outcomes for U.S. visa applications. The consular officer will either issue or refuse the visa. If a visa applicant has not established that he or she is eligible for a visa, the consular officer must refuse that application. However, some refused visa applications may require further administrative processing. When administrative processing is required, the consular officer will inform the applicant at the end of the interview. The duration of the administrative processing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case. At the conclusion of the administrative processing period, the consular officer might conclude that an applicant is now qualified for the visa for which he or she applied. The officer may also conclude that the applicant remains ineligible for a visa. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visas, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.

Important Notice:   Except in cases of emergency travel (i.e. serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family), before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants should wait at least 180 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.

About Visa Processing Wait Times – Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants

Information about nonimmigrant visa wait times for interviews and visa processing time frames are shown on this website, as well as on U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites worldwide. It should be noted that the “Wait Times for a Nonimmigrant Visa to be Processed” information by country does not include time required for administrative processing. Processing wait time also does not include the time required to return the passport to applicants, by either courier services or the local mail system.

In addition, it is important to thoroughly review all information on the specific  Embassy or Consulate Visa Section website  for local procedures and instructions, such as how to make an interview appointment. Embassy and Consulate websites will also explain any additional procedures for students, exchange visitors and those persons who need an earlier visa interview appointment.

About Wait Times

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It Just Got Easier for Americans to Visit China—Here's What to Know

By Matt Ortile

I was recently applying for a new passport, dreaming of all the new stamps and visas I’d collect, when I wondered: “Can Americans travel to China?” As it turns out, some recent policy changes out of Beijing have made it easier than ever to marvel at the Great Wall of China , take in the cosmopolitan bustle of Shanghai , and devour spicy Sichuan -style dishes at the source.

As of January 1, 2024, US travelers applying for tourist visas to China are no longer required to present proof of roundtrip tickets for travel, hotel reservations, or specific itineraries. The development came after a declaration in December by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States that states both countries mutually agreed to simplify the visa process in an effort to “facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States.”

To learn more about how US passport holders can travel to China, I reached out to travel specialists with deep expertise in tourism in China and Asia more broadly: Mei Zhang, the founder of WildChina and a member of Condé Nast Traveler ’s Global Advisory Board ; and Catherine Heald, co-founder and CEO of Remote Lands , a luxury travel advisor specializing in destinations throughout Asia.

Here’s what you need to know about traveling to China with a US passport in 2024.

Can Americans travel to China?

Yes, Americans can travel to China for tourism purposes. The country previously upheld travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, from early 2020 to March 2023. At the time, a quarantine period was required of anyone who entered the country; additionally, Zhang of WildChina explains, flights between the United States and China were extremely limited, and so tickets were prohibitively expensive .

Interest in travel to China has increased in recent months, says Heald of Remote Lands, thanks to the new visa application rules that have come into effect in 2024: “Even when the country opened, obtaining a visa was somewhat difficult, so it did not really see an influx of travelers from the US until this year.”

What kind of visa do I need to visit China?

US passport holders need a visa to visit China, obtained in advance of travel, i.e. there is no “visa on arrival” option. Tourist visas valid for ten years and good for multi-entry use must be acquired though a Chinese embassy or consulate, or a visa service. Currently, for US citizens, the cost for a tourist visa for travel to China is $140, whether for single-use or multi-entry use. This is a reduced fee, in effect until December 31, 2024 .

According to the Chinese embassy in the United States, the tourist visa application requirements include: a passport with at least six-months’ validity and two blank pages; a photocopy of the passport’s ID page; a completed application form, filled out online and printed; proof of residence, like a driver’s license or a utility bill; and a completed “ Where You Stay Form ” that attests the applicant is currently applying for a visa from within the US.

Admittedly, the steps are a bit more involved than the path you’d walk (or fly) to countries to which US citizens easily have access, or to destinations that offer visa-on-arrival programs. “When it feels too convoluted to navigate on your own, we recommend using a visa service like CIBT to make it easier,” Zhang says.

If you’re just transiting through China (if you have a 12-hour layover in Shanghai, for example, and want to go into the city before flying to your final stop), you’re in luck: Heald says that in certain Chinese cities, foreign nationals from 54 countries, including the US, are eligible for the 24-, 72-, or 144-hour transit visa-free policies, as long as they stay within certain areas and can present proof of confirmed dates of travel to a third country.

For first-timers visiting China, experts suggest an itinerary that includes one, two, or all three of the Chinese metropolitan triumvirate: Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai.

When is the best time to visit China?

Spring and fall are the best times to travel in China, according to Zhang and Heald. “ Summer can be very hot, depending on where you are in China, and also busier than usual, since kids are on summer break and traveling with their families during this time,” Zhang says.

She also recommends to plan travel around the calendar of Chinese national holidays, since travel can be more challenging due to the heightened amount of activity. “The main holidays to avoid are Chinese New Year, the May Day holiday in the first week of May, and Golden Week, which is the first week of October).” It’s a fair point, but if those times are what work for you, don’t let the craze of the crowds stop you. I imagine it would truly be an awesome sight to see, a Chinese city or town celebrating the Lunar New Year .

I’m visiting China for the first time—what city should I visit?

Both Zhang and Heald suggest an itinerary that includes one, two, or all three of the Chinese metropolitan triumvirate: Beijing , Xi’an, and Shanghai. Go for the Forbidden City and the Great Wall in the capital, see the iconic Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, and head to the Bund for the skyscraper-laden cosmopolitan side of China (where you can stay at the Peninsula Shanghai , an editor-favorite hotel featured on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List for 2024 ).

Jamie Spain

Kelsey Glennon

Megan duBois

Boone Ashworth

If you’re keen to get a little bit of all three—including the Sichuan city of Chengdu—Heald recommends the Classic China tour offered by Remote Lands that highlights some of the country’s most significant historical and cultural sites. (Also: pandas.) Speaking of nature, don’t be afraid to venture out of the cities, if time permits. For getting off the beaten path, Zhang recommends the mountainous province of Yunnan, while Heald mentions that travelers seeking spiritual experiences are going to Tibet (which requires another entry permit).

What else should Americans know before traveling to China?

It’s important to remember that the Great Firewall of China is very real: Websites like Google (including Gmail), YouTube, Facebook, and others are blocked in the country, Heald says, “especially if they touch on sensitive subjects.” She recommends downloading a VPN (virtual private network) to all of your devices before entering China, which allows you to freely use the Internet as usual. “If you do not wish to get a VPN, then plan accordingly and notify any concerned parties that you may be out of touch for a few days,” she says.

Still, China is changing at a rapid pace, Zhang notes. “Some of our recent travelers have described it as stepping into the future .” In the main cities, taxi cars are mostly electric. Sustainability is taking a leading role in development, and high-speed trains connect the entire country, with new rail lines opening regularly. Digital payments have swept every corner of the nation—“everybody from luxury stores to street food carts has a QR code”—and almost no one carries cash or credit cards. Zhang says, “For those who have visited China before, it has changed. And for those who have not visited before, you’re in for something wholly unexpected indeed.”

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How to Retire in Canada

I f you’re interested in heading north of the border for retirement, it’s important to think about life there and consider your goals and budget. Canada is a popular destination for those looking for a new start. It aims to welcome 485,000 individuals as permanent residents in 2024, and 500,000 in 2025.

If you want to retire in Canada , here’s how:

• Know your options for a tourist visa.
• Research other visa options.
• Understand permanent residency in Canada.
• Manage your taxes.
• Prepare your household.
• Learn about health care costs.

Know Your Options for a Tourist Visa

When you enter Canada, you could receive a visitor visa that is valid for six months from the day you enter. If you’d like to stay longer, you can fill out some paperwork to obtain permission to extend your stay. As a tourist, you can purchase a vacation home and set up a bank account in Canada. “I’ve done this myself and never had any problems at the bank or at the border,” says Cori Carl, author of “Moving to Canada.”

This might be a viable option for those planning to split their retirement between two or more locations. If you spend six months of the year in the warmer locales of the Southern U.S. , you could live in Canada for the remaining time. You’ll be considered a U.S. citizen and will need to pay U.S. taxes with this setup. You won’t have access to Canadian health care coverage and won’t be subject to Canadian taxes.

Research Other Visa Options

If you have children or grandchildren in Canada, you can apply for the parent and grandparent super visa. This type of visa would allow you live in Canada for up to two years at a time for a total of 10 years. However, it doesn’t provide access to provincial health coverage or other benefits of residency. To qualify for the super visa, your child or grandchild must be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada and must write a letter promising to financially support you for the duration of your visit.

Understand Permanent Residency in Canada

For those planning to stay in Canada for more than six months each year or who are not eligible for a family super visa, it may be possible to apply for permanent residency. As a permanent resident of Canada, you’ll have access to government-based programs such as health care. Permanent residency can also lead to Canadian citizenship.

Canada does not have a retirement visa . Paths to permanent residency include an immigration process called Express Entry set up for those who have certain skills or want to operate businesses in Canada. Some Canadian provinces have immigration options that are based on graduation from Canadian universities or open to people in specific professions. If you’re planning to have a second career in retirement and are looking at working for several years, these might be viable immigration options.

Manage Your Taxes

Moving to Canada doesn’t mean you need to give up your U.S. citizenship. You can receive Social Security benefits while living in another country, but you will also likely still be subject to U.S. taxes if you earn supplemental income. This is because the United States has citizen-based taxation. “Retirees in Canada may still owe U.S. taxes on their U.S. retirement income along with any other Canadian earned income,” says Nathalie Goldstein, CEO of MyExpatTaxes, a tax software company.

In addition, you might need to declare your worldwide income to the Canada Revenue Agency, Canada’s version of the IRS. “At first glance, it may seem like U.S. retirees will be double-taxed by both the U.S. and Canada,” Goldstein says. “However, that is not the case if they are able to optimize their tax return using the benefits defined in the U.S. and Canadian tax treaty and other expat tax reliefs such as the foreign earned income exclusion and foreign tax credit benefits.”

Prepare Your Household

Everyday expenses might be lower or higher in Canada, depending on the area you live and lifestyle you choose. You’ll want to research cities and travel to them to determine if they’ll be a good fit.

Bringing pets could involve several steps. “Dogs and cats will require proof of rabies vaccination,” says Ajay Singh, a former lawyer and managing director of RetireBetter. They will typically undergo an inspection at customs, and you may need to show additional documentation.

Large belongings like vehicles will have several requirements. “You’ll need to pay duty on any value that exceeds CAD $10,000,” Singh says. You’ll also want to make sure your auto is eligible for Canada. “If you’re considering a permanent move, you’ll need to get your car registered locally, obtain Canadian plates and secure a valid Canadian car insurance policy,” Singh says.

Learn About Health Care Costs

If you only spend several months of the year in Canada and don’t become a permanent resident, you may need to purchase international health insurance. “Unless you obtain permanent residency or citizenship, you won’t have access to free health care,” Singh says.

You generally cannot use Medicare for health care services in another country.

Set up a plan before making a temporary or long-term move. Assess your budget to see if it’s financially feasible to live in Canada. Speaking with others who have retired there could help you decide what's best for your next stage.

Copyright 2023 U.S. News & World Report

Bipartisan bill would allow Canadian snowbirds to extend stay in US by 2 months

Oh, Canada, we want to see more of you. Two more months per year, to be exact.

Or at least that's the intent behind a bill announced Thursday by a bipartisan group of congressional legislators representing — unsurprisingly — northern tier states with close ties to the Great White North and southern states where Canadians migrate for the winter.

The bill introduced by U.S. Reps. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., and Greg Stanton, D-Ariz., is known as the Canadian Snowbird Visa Act and would extend the amount of time Canadians who own or lease a home in the U.S. can visit each year by two months. U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman, a Republican representing Michigan's Upper Peninsula and the northern part of the Lower Peninsula, is one of its cosponsors.

“Providing Canadians who own homes and property in the United States with extra time to visit and boost our economy will help revive Canadian tourism to the United States after an unprecedented closure of the northern border," Stefanik said.

She's referring to the restrictions on border crossings that lasted more than a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected not only tourism between the two countries but people in states, including Michigan, with close friends and family in Canada. Some people criticized the closure for all but "essential" reasons (like work) as having gone on for far too long .

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

More: Dingell, others chastise Canadian agency over bureaucratic standstill

Under current law, Canadian visitors must limit travel to the U.S. to 182 days a year. The proposed law would let Canadian citizens who are over the age of 50 and own or rent a residence in the U.S. to stay in the country for up to 240 days annually. Visitors would be prohibited from working for U.S. employers or seeking public assistance and clarifies that they retain their nonresident tax status.

Stefanik said Canadian visitors spent more than $20 billion in the United States in 2019.

Contact Todd Spangler: [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter@tsspangler.

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• Free Assessment

Visitor Visa Passport Stamping 2024 - India

• Thread starter Ad133
• Start date Mar 7, 2024

K2405 said: Did you receive any update? Click to expand...

Visitor Visa Applied. Current status on website: Under Process at IRCC. Passport Reached IRCC: May 7th. Can someone guide basis thier recent experience by when should i expect my passport back in Mumbai or will get dispatched from Delhi? I have my flight tomorrow night. Thanks  

K2405 said: Anyone can suggest foe my Timeline Request on 8th may Sent to IRCC on 10th May Awaiting next steps. Click to expand...

jignesh8 said: Visitor Visa Applied. Current status on website: Under Process at IRCC. Passport Reached IRCC: May 7th. Can someone guide basis thier recent experience by when should i expect my passport back in Mumbai or will get dispatched from Delhi? I have my flight tomorrow night. Thanks Click to expand...

noself said: Did you check the tracker? You should have your visa number in the tracker by now. Either way, I think you will get the PP back sometime next week. Click to expand...

K2405 said: I did check using the track application status. It says its with IRCC since 10th may. Is that what you mean by tracker? Click to expand...

noself said: No. I mean IRCC tracker. Register for your Application Status Tracker account (cic.gc.ca) Create an acc here and you will most likely see your new Visa number and expiry date of that visa. This is just for mental peace, you will get your visa stamped PP by next weekend either way. Click to expand...

K2405 said: Wow I have my course started already and my tickets is booked for 21st is there no way I could get by this weekend? Click to expand...

noself said: I am afraid not. Are the tickets refundable? Atleast partially? You can try calling VFS and tell them about this problem, but I doubt you get it tomorrow in Mumbai when the PP hasn't even left the embassy by now. Good luck Click to expand...

K2405 said: Even if I get by the weekend it should do because my flight is on the 21st. So there is still a week to go. Click to expand...

noself said: Sry i mistook your reply for someone else. I edited my reply you can read it again or DM me if you have more questions Click to expand...

Thanks, has anyone here applied for the visa such that thier application was submitted at IRCC last week?  

Timeline for my visitor visa application. PPR Received: 30 April, 2024 Passport sent: 02 May, 2024 Passport received by IRCC: 06 May, 2024 Passport dispatched by IRCC to VAC: 15 May, 2024 Passport dispatched by VAC to my address: 15 May, 2024 I've yet to receive the passport. Will update when I get it.  

Full Member

can anyone please share the invitation letter. I am applying for my mom and dad  

Timeline for my visitor visa application. PPR Received: 30 April, 2024 Passport sent: 01 May, 2024 Passport received by IRCC: 07 May, 2024 Passport dispatched by IRCC to VAC: 16 May, 2024 Passport dispatched by VAC to my address: 16 May, 2024 I've yet to receive the passport. Will update when I get it.  

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• Brazil: Federal government postpones to 2025 new visa requirements for citizens from Australia, Canada and the US

Brazil: Federal government postpones to 2025 new visa requirements for citizens from Australia, Canada and the US

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The Brazilian government has postponed the requirement for visitor visas for citizens of Australia, Canada and the United States to enter the country until 10 April 2025 .

The measure was published in an extra edition of the Official Gazette by means of Decree No. 11.982, of 9 April 2024.

This comes as a result of a direct intervention from the Ministries of Tourism, Ports and Airports, as well as the operational difficulties encountered by citizens of these countries in issuing the electronic visit visa (" eVisa "). In this context, the Federal Government postponed the requirement to allow more time for preparation and full implementation of the procedure.

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Considering the postponement of the eVisa  requirement, citizens from Australia, Canada and the United States are able to continue entering the country without the need for a visa for specific purposes related to tourism and/or business.

We recommend, however, that the eVisa be issued for trips planned to Brazil closer to April 2025, to avoid possible questionings by the Brazilian authorities.

Trench Rossi Watanabe and Baker McKenzie have executed a strategic cooperation agreement for consulting on foreign law.

Copyright © 2024 Baker & McKenzie. All rights reserved. Ownership : This documentation and content (Content) is a proprietary resource owned exclusively by Baker McKenzie (meaning Baker & McKenzie International and its member firms). The Content is protected under international copyright conventions. Use of this Content does not of itself create a contractual relationship, nor any attorney/client relationship, between Baker McKenzie and any person. Non-reliance and exclusion : All Content is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal and regulatory developments. All summaries of the laws, regulations and practice are subject to change. The Content is not offered as legal or professional advice for any specific matter. It is not intended to be a substitute for reference to (and compliance with) the detailed provisions of applicable laws, rules, regulations or forms. Legal advice should always be sought before taking any action or refraining from taking any action based on any Content. Baker McKenzie and the editors and the contributing authors do not guarantee the accuracy of the Content and expressly disclaim any and all liability to any person in respect of the consequences of anything done or permitted to be done or omitted to be done wholly or partly in reliance upon the whole or any part of the Content. The Content may contain links to external websites and external websites may link to the Content. Baker McKenzie is not responsible for the content or operation of any such external sites and disclaims all liability, howsoever occurring, in respect of the content or operation of any such external websites.  Attorney Advertising : This Content may qualify as “Attorney Advertising” requiring notice in some jurisdictions. To the extent that this Content may qualify as Attorney Advertising, PRIOR RESULTS DO NOT GUARANTEE A SIMILAR OUTCOME. Reproduction : Reproduction of reasonable portions of the Content is permitted provided that (i) such reproductions are made available free of charge and for non-commercial purposes, (ii) such reproductions are properly attributed to Baker McKenzie, (iii) the portion of the Content being reproduced is not altered or made available in a manner that modifies the Content or presents the Content being reproduced in a false light and (iv) notice is made to the disclaimers included on the Content. The permission to re-copy does not allow for incorporation of any substantial portion of the Content in any work or publication, whether in hard copy, electronic or any other form or for commercial purposes.

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How to give your fingerprints and photo

On this page.

• Pay the biometric fee
• Get the biometrics instruction letter

Tips to get the best photos and fingerprints during your biometrics appointment

Steps involved in giving your biometrics, 1. pay the biometric fee.

You must pay the  biometric fee   when you apply , or you may experience delays.

Transit visa applications

There is  no fee to give biometrics for a transit visa.

To pay for your biometrics fee after you already applied:

If you applied online , you should

• upload your receipt in your  IRCC secure account  or by using our  web form

If you applied on paper , you should

• upload your receipt using our  web form

2. Get the biometric instruction letter

After you pay the biometric fee, you’ll get a biometric instruction letter (BIL) that

• confirms that you need to give your biometrics
• tells you where you can go to give your biometrics

When you go to your biometrics appointment, you must bring both of the following documents:

• your valid passport

If you’ve been issued a biometric instruction letter but you don’t have a passport, you must bring one of the following documents to your appointment:

• your Refugee Protection Claimant Document (valid or expired)  with your photo attached
• a  certified copy of your passport

This exception applies to you if you’re

• is in process
• has been found ineligible
• has been rejected by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB)
• whose asylum claims have been accepted by the IRB
• who have been successful in a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment application

3. Go to an official biometric collection site

There are 4 things you need to know before you give your biometrics:

• You must give your biometrics in person.
• Walk-in or emergency appointments may be accommodated, but booking ahead is best.
• Booking an appointment is free .
• Book your appointment as soon as you get your BIL.
• To avoid fraud, use our official website to find your local VAC or Service Canada location.

Find a collection site close to you

 What can be included in your photo

• Your eyes must be clearly visible.
• There must be no glare on the lenses.
• Your hair must be off your face, so that the edges of your face are visible.
• Your full face must be clearly visible.
• The head covering must not create shadows on your face.
• Your facial features and the edges of your face must both be clearly visible.

 What can’t be included in your photo

• This includes prescription lenses, even when your eyes are clearly visible.
• hats and head coverings  not  worn daily for religious beliefs or medical reasons
• Temporary hand injuries such as cuts, cracks on your fingers must be healed before giving your biometrics.

Note : If we can’t get high-quality fingerprints during your appointment, you may need to give your biometrics again at a later date.

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