Applying for a U.S. Visa

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Applying for a U.S. Visa April 2010

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

Who needs a Visa?Canadian Permanent ResidentsThird Country NationalsIndividuals possessing Canadian Work or Student PermitsNationals 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.3Visa CategoriesVisitor (business / tourism)Visa (B-1/B-2)Student Visa (F-1) requires I-20J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa (J-1) requires DS-2019Temporary Work Permit (H1-B) requires I-129/I-797

Application RequirementsDS-156 and DS-157 (in the near future, the online DS-160 will be required)Currently $131 (U.S. currency) feeRecent color photograph with white backgroundPassport (preferably with at least six months of validity)Canada ExpressPost envelopeDigital fingerprints taken on-siteInterview

Note that fees may be increasing in the future so confirm on web site5Additional Documents for StudentsOfficial transcripts showing grades from completed coursesCertification of enrollmentScholarship or sponsorship letter Proof of other financial support

6Students in the SciencesStudents pursuing independent research in Science based fields should also bring:A current Curriculum Vita (CV) listing all papers and presentationsAn abstract of current researchA letter from academic advisorThe conference invitation if going to attend a conferenceNot everyone gets a VisaRefusals do happenCome prepared with documentsEntering the U.S. for the purpose statedReturning to CanadaStrong ties to CanadaRefusal is not permanent, but time is typically required to establish stronger ties

Demonstrate strong ties8Validity and IssuanceThe length of the Visa variesDifferent visa types Different countriesGenerally the length of valid student status in CanadaReciprocity feesSent by ExpressPost mailAdministrative ProcessingDS-160 Online ApplicationReplaces the following forms:DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa ApplicationDS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa ApplicationDS-158 Contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant Will be mandatory for Ottawa in the coming months

Only the application form has changed Other parts of the process remain the sameDS-160 Application ProcessCompleting the DS-160Step 1 Accessing the Application

https://ceac.state.gov/genniv

Step 1 Accessing the Application

https://ceac.state.gov/genniv

Read the instructions and press Start Application

Completing the DS-160

Step 2 Choose the Embassy

Choose the Embassy or Consulate where you will apply





Press Test Photo to begin uploading your photo


Step 3 Upload Photo

Browse to your photo and press Upload Selected PhotoCompleting the DS-160Step 3 Upload Photo

Browse to your photo and press Upload Selected PhotoIf your photo meets the quality standards, you can press Continue Using This Photo

Completing the DS-160Step 3 Upload Photo

Browse to your photo and press Upload Selected PhotoIf your photo meets the quality standards, you can press Continue Using This PhotoIf your photo does not pass, press Continue Without A Photo(BRING A PASSPORT PHOTO)

Completing the DS-160Step 4 Complete Form

Complete all questions carefully and accurately.Providing inaccurate information or leaving required items blank will only delay your application


Saving an Application

If you cant 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 pageCompleting the DS-160Saving an Application


Press Save at the bottom of any data entry page

Press Save Application to File

Completing the DS-160Saving an Application


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-160Tips

If a question doesnt apply to you, you must check the Does Not Apply box



Answer fully and include as much detail as you can



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


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 its impossible to make changes later

Completing the DS-160Step 6 Submitting Your Application

Once you submit your application, you cant change it

Pressing Sign and Submit Application constitutes your electronic signature, certifying that all the answers on the application are true


Step 7 Printing Your Confirmation Page

Print the confirmation page

You only need to bring the printed confirmation sheet to the interviewCompleting the DS-160Step 7 Printing Your 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-160Step 7 Printing Your 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-160Step 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

ReminderThe 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

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