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
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
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
Note that fees may be increasing in the future so confirm on web site

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
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
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
Pay Fee
At ScotiaBank
Make Appointment
At VFS Website
In person at VFS
Complete Form
Online at
Interview
At Embassy
Fingerprint
Receive Visa
After processing
Sent via ExpressPost
Only the application form has changed – Other parts of the process remain the same

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. 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