This section contains detailed information for people interested in traveling to the United States.
In Canada, the U.S. Government issues visas from its Embassy and six consulates located throughout the country. Canadians typically do not require visas to enter the United States, although there are some exceptions. Citizens of certain other countries also do not require entry visas to visit the United States. For more information, please visit the Visa Waiver section of the State Department website.
The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law.As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying. See our Directory of Visa Categories to determine which visa category might be appropriate for your purpose of travel to the United States.
Immigrant visa applications: Have an inquiry about your immigrant visa? OurImmigrant Visa Navigatorcan walk you through the process. You can also contact us1-438-793-1947 orCanada.Visas@gdit-gss.com.
Information for Canadians
Nonimmigrant Visas
What is a Visa?
A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler’s passport, a travel document issued by the traveler’s country of citizenship.
Certain international travelers may be eligible to travel to the United States without a visa if they meet the requirements for visa-free travel. The Visa section of this website is all about U.S. visas for foreign citizens to travel to the United States.
(Note: U.S. citizens don’t need a U.S. visa for travel, but when planning travel abroad may need a visa issued by the embassy of the country they wish to visit.).
Customer Service Statement
The Department of State manages the visa process strictly but fairly in order to best protect the United States. We are committed to the essential openness for which the United States has always been known. Travel to the United States is welcomed and encouraged.
We promise to you, the visa applicant, that:
- We will treat you with dignity and respect, even if we are unable to grant you a visa.
- We will treat you as an individual and your case as unique.
- We will remember that, to you, a visa interview may be a new or intimidating experience and that you may be nervous.
- We will use the limited time available for theinterview to get as full a picture as possible of your travel plans and intentions.
- We will use our available resources to fairly assist all applicants to get appointments to allow travel in time for business, study, and other important obligations.
- We will post detailed and accurate information on visa requirements and application procedures on every Embassy and Consulate website.
- We will provide information on non-immigrant appointment waiting times at every Embassy and Consulate posted onhttp://travel.state.gov.
- We will explain the reason for any visa denial to you.
Furthermore, if you are a:
- Student, we will make every effort to ensure that you get an appointment and, if qualified, a visa in time to start classes.
- Medical and humanitarian emergency traveler, we will expedite processing for those dealing with life threatening emergencies.
- Business traveler, we will establish appropriate mechanisms to facilitate business travel and expedite cases of particular concern to American business.
At the same time, we expect you, the visa applicant, to:
- Plan your travel and visa application as far in advance as possible.
- Complete your application fully and accurately.
- Be forthcoming about your purpose and plans.
- Prepare for your interview by being able to clearly and concisely describe your intentions.
FAQs
Sample Answer: “Accessing to good research infrastructures and equipment motivates me to pursue my educational progress in the United States. I found American education system for higher suitable to achieve my goals because the US is one of the world leaders in Chemical and Environmental Engineering research areas.
How to answer US immigration questions? ›
Answer all questions fully, succinctly, and truthfully, but do not volunteer information unless asked. If you're unsure of the answer or do not understand a question, you should always say so rather than guess.
What questions are you asked when entering the US? ›
Prepare for Likely Questions From U.S. CBP Officials
- Why are you visiting the United States? ...
- Where will you be staying? ...
- Who will you be visiting? ...
- How long will you be staying in the U.S.? If you're coming in with an immigrant visa (have been approved for U.S. permanent residence), you won't likely be asked this.
What is the proof of sufficient funds for travel? You might be asked for proof of paid accommodation for the time of your travel in a country and also a return paid airline ticket and then cash, credit cards or bank account with enough funds to support you during your stay.
Why do you want to go to the USA? ›
USA: The United States of America is filled with exciting opportunities to have fun, explore, and learn through its national parks, vibrant cities, innovative gastronomy, and variety of arts and culture experiences.
What is the best answer for U.S. visa interview? ›
Mention your travel plan to justify why you need a visa for that particular duration. Also, check with the Consular Office if you need to reconsider the duration of your stay. As long as you have all the details/documents with you to support the duration of your stay, there shouldn't be any issues.
What not to say in an immigration interview? ›
Do not go off on tangents or tell your life story. Only answer the question that is being asked and do not provide more details than necessary. Remember, the immigration officer is doing many interviews a day, and you do not want to annoy them.
Can you refuse to answer immigration questions? ›
You have the right to remain silent. You can also tell the agent that you'll only answer questions in the presence of an attorney, no matter your citizenship or immigration status. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status.
What is the hardest question on the citizenship test? ›
Arguably the hardest question on the U.S. citizenship test is number 67: The Federalist Papers supported the passage of the U.S. Constitution. Name one of the writers. This answer is unknown to even most American citizens because the Federalist Party ceased to exist back in 1824.
What do customs agents look for? ›
Generally, customs officers may stop people at the border to determine whether they are admissible to the United States, and they may search people's belongings for contraband. This is true even if there is nothing suspicious about you or your luggage.
A US citizen cannot be denied entry to the US. However, CBP (Customs & Border Protection) has the means for making this a miserable experience for you, if you don't play ball.
Do you have to answer questions at US Customs? ›
As always, you have the right to remain silent. Refusing to answer CBP's questions may result in the agent persisting with questioning. If this occurs, you should ask if you are being detained.
How much money do I need to enter US? ›
There are no restrictions on taking money to the US as long as it is reported correctly. You must report any money exceeding $10,000 if you are entering or leaving the US. You must notify customs if you plan to bring more than $10,000 worth of currency or foreign equivalent value into the US.
What is proof of sufficient funds in the US? ›
Family bank statements. Documentation from a sponsor. Financial aid letters. Scholarship letters.
Why did you choose USA to work? ›
It not only shows that you gained independence but also that you stepped out of your comfort zone. Having an international role on your CV will highlight this, and will single you out from other candidates as one to watch.
What not to say during US visa interview? ›
U.S. Tourist Visa Interview
- “I Don't Have a Return Ticket” ...
- “I Have No Family or Job Back Home” ...
- “I Have Friends/Family Who Live Illegally in the U.S.” ...
- “I Intend to Work During My Visit” ...
- “I Don't Know”
Talk about specific examples of how you can help this company achieve their goals and highlight any relevant transferrable skills that will make you stand out as the right candidate. Write down any recent achievements you can talk about or any challenges you've faced recently that might be related to this new job.
