Do you need a US visa appointment in Canada? Since the law doesn’t allow Canadian citizens to process a visa before entry into the United States, It takes less time for Non-Canadians traveling to the United States of America to get a visa.
Travelers who wish to travel to the US can book appointments in the embassy or consulate nearest to them, maybe Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary or Halifax. (this process is only available for Third country nationals)
Purpose of your trip to the USA can also determine whether you must book an appointment with the consulate or just travel freely. There’s also some category of Canadian citizens who must book appointments to travel to the US. However, If they have criminal records in the United States which have led to their information being removed, or under security watch can cause problems.
US visa appointment in Canada
Travelers planning to visit the US will have to book appointments for their visa interview. This appointment is done online and you have to determine your visa category since they all require different visa types.
B2 visa which is under the medical visa category and B1 visa may require visa appointment for Non-Canadian citizens and Some Canadian citizens.
Travelers under the US visa waiver category should obtain (ESTA) Electronic System for Travel Authorization if they have qualifications for it.
What to know when applying for US visa in Canada
Foreigners can easily apply for a US visa in Canada and also book slots for their visa interview appointment.
Wait time to receive invitations for interviews does change and is not stable in Canada.
- Step one: Submit your visa online visa application form (DS-160) which will indicate your interest for a Canadian visa.
- Step two: Pay your visa application fees and go on to schedule for visa interview. At this point, you have to look out for other ways to make the appointment wait shorter.
Travelers from Canada can expedite the process if truly their mission to the United States is urgent like; funeral, medical emergency or to meet up with school start date.
US Visa appointment wait time for Foreigners in Canada
| Visa type (nonimmigrant) | Appointment wait time |
| US visa appointment available dates for B1/B2 visa type (interview required) | Days |
| (F, M, J visa type) students and exchange visitors visa that require interview | Days |
| (H, L, O, P, Q visa type) temporary workers visa that requires interview | Days |
| (B-1, B-2) Dropbox and interview waiver visitors | Days |
| (F, M, J) for Dropbox, interview waiver, students and exchange visitors | Days |
| (H, L, O, P, Q) Dropbox, interview waiver and petition-based temporary worker | Days |
The wait time here depends on how many applications the US embassy in Canada is processing at that moment.
Looking at the current wait time, you will have to book for an interview earlier to avoid delay to your own travel goals. Start by preparing important documents that you will take to the consulate office for your US visa interview after securing an appointment.
Important documents for US visa appointment Canada
As part of your preparation to travel to the USA, an interview is an important part of it and having the right documents will even make your movements smoother.
These documents will show that under the United States law, you meet all the requirements to enter into the country from Canada. Furthermore, since submitting these documents does not give you the guarantee of getting your visa, don’t not book hotels or pay for nonrefundable events when you are yet to have a US visa at hand.
Below is a complete list of the documents for your US visa interview in Canada:
- Passport with at least six months validity and acceptable in the United States
- Copy Nonimmigrant visa form
- 2×2 inch photograph taken within the last 180 days
- Present marriage certificate unless you are traveling to the United States alone.
- Documents to prove that you are legally resident in Canada at the time you are applying for this visa appointment.
What to know when applying for US visa in Mexico
Securing a US visa in Mexico depends on your travel needs since there are many visa categories for Mexicans who want to visit the United States.
These categories attract different fees and application procedures as part of your preparation to travel to the US.
- You can easily apply for a US visa in Mexico by filling in an online form then making payments applicable to your preferred visa type.
- Visa application fees in Mexico cost around (USD) $94 and you may still have to pay other fees; especially if you prefer to expedite the interview appointment process.
Applying for US visa in Mexico or Canada: What you should know
The United States Department of States (DOS), which works in all countries to provide visas to travelers who wish to visit the USA , has steps on how to apply for a visa. The main US application is the same as what you see in other countries and it’s even easier when you are applying from Canada or Mexico.
- Travelers in Canada should use this visa portal to learn more about the process of getting a US visa in Canada for non-immigrant Foreigners and locals.
- Travelers from Mexico can look at the documents they must submit on this portal as it also provides more details regarding fees you are to pay.
Frequently asked questions
Is a US visa appointment open in Canada?
The embassy and consulate is always open to meet the needs of applicants from Monday to Friday unless there is a holiday or emergency.
Can I get an early US visa appointment in Canada?
There’s an expedite system to help you FastTrack your interview appointment only if you have urgent travel needs.
What is the wait time for a US visa appointment in Canada?
Applicants will wait for days to finally receive an invitation for a visa interview after booking a spot online.
Is the US embassy open in Canada?
Travelers can always access the US embassy in Canada for their visa interview.
Conclusion
US visa appointments in Canada can come out very early if there are less applicants at the time of your application. However, there are other factors which may influence your visa appointment dates like types of visa, security, season and availability.
You must book a US visa appointment in Canada on time to avoid delays.
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