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Applying for a U.S. Visa

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for applying for a U.S. visa, including the necessary documents, fees, and online application process. Get all the information you need to successfully obtain your U.S. visa.

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Applying for a U.S. Visa

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  1. Applying for a U.S. Visa U.S. Embassy, Ottawa April 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

  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 • DS-156 and DS-157 (in the near future, the online DS-160 will be required) • Currently $131 (U.S. currency) fee • Recent color photograph with white background • Passport (preferably with at least six months of validity) • Canada ExpressPost envelope • Digital fingerprints taken on-site • Interview

  6. Additional Documents for Students • Official transcripts showing grades from completed courses • Certification of enrollment • Scholarship or sponsorship letter • Proof of other financial support

  7. Students in the Sciences • Students pursuing independent research in Science based fields should also bring: • A current Curriculum Vita (CV) listing all papers and presentations • An abstract of current research • A letter from academic advisor • The conference invitation if going to attend a conference

  8. Not everyone gets a Visa • Refusals do happen • Come prepared with documents • Entering the U.S. for the purpose stated • Returning to Canada • Strong ties to Canada • Refusal is not permanent, but time is typically required to establish stronger ties

  9. Validity and Issuance • The length of the Visa varies • Different visa types • Different countries • Generally the length of valid student status in Canada • Reciprocity fees • Sent by ExpressPost mail • Administrative Processing

  10. DS-160 Online Application • Replaces the following forms: • DS-156 “Nonimmigrant Visa Application” • DS-157 “Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application” • DS-158 “Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant” • Will be mandatory for Ottawa in the coming months

  11. DS-160 Application Process Only the application form has changed – Other parts of the process remain the same

  12. 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

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

  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 e-mail 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. Reminder • The DS-160 replaces only the application forms. Other items are still required • Students: I-20 • Exchange Visitors: DS-2019 • Diplomats and Officials: Diplomatic Note • And most applicants still need evidence of ties to their place of residence

  31. Questions? • www.consular.canada.usembassy.gov/ottawa.asp • www.consular.canada.usembassy.gov/nvars.asp

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