Applying for a United States Visa
For more details visit: www.kwantlen.ca/oiss/internationalstudents.html and http://vancouver.usconsulate.gov/
What is a US Visa?
Having a U.S. Visa allows you to travel to a port of entry, airport or land border crossing and request permission to
enter the U.S. While having a Visa does not guarantee entry to the U.S., it does indicate a consular officer at a U.S.
Embassy or Consulate abroad has determined you are eligible to seek entry for that specific purpose.
Citizens from participating countries in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) do not need a U.S. Visa for visits of 90 days
or less; however, those citizens must meet all VWP eligibility requirements. For full details on eligibility
requirements may be found at http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/visit/visa-waiver-program.html
First:
Make sure your passport (your passport should be valid for at least 6 months past your stay in the US)
Make sure your study permit and/or work permit are renewed and valid
Request a Confirmation of Enrolment at no charge from any Student Enrolment Services counter
Order a Transcript from any Student Enrolment Services
Have a picture taken! (Make sure your pictures meet the requirements). Scan and save your picture.
http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/general/photos.html
Next:
 Complete the DS-160 electronic form online, available at: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

To find the current application wait times visit: http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/general/waittimes.html/
 Scan and upload an electronic copy of your photo
 Print and retain the confirmation page includes a barcode. You must take this to the interview.
 Pay the non-refundable fee of $160 US. You can do this by Telephone, at a Scotiabank, PayPal
or by credit card. Full details on fee payment options may be found at https://ais.usvisainfo.com/en-CA/niv
 Citizens of certain countries may have to pay an additional “reciprocity fee” if a visa is
approved. http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/fees/reciprocity-by-country.html
After submitting your application:
 You need to schedule an appointment/interview. You can do this online at: https://ais.usvisainfo.com/en-ca/niv or by calling 778-807-9660.
(Note: You will be Visa Category: “B” for Tourist/Personal Travel.)
 Visit this website for important payment details: http://usvisa-info.com/enca/selfservice/us_fee_payment_options
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Updated: April 2015
This is not a legal document. Although we strive to keep this website as up-to-date as possible, information may have changed since our last update.
Going to your interview:
Each interview is different depending on the student, the interviewer and other variables. The following is only a
guideline of things to know and take with you.
Recommended documents to take with you:
Education Related Documents:
Confirmation of Enrolment and transcript from Kwantlen
Transcripts (from all institution you attended in Canada and outside)
From your online Kwantlen student account, print the courses you have registered for a future term (if
applicable) and tuition receipts for current semester and future semester (if applicable)
Personal Documents:
Valid Passport – should be valid for at least 6 months past your intended stay valid Canadian study
permit/work permit
If you are currently employed, bring a letter from your employer
Family Information
Specific details of your proposed trip including: Names and relationship of persons travelling with you, US
phone numbers and address information (if applicable)
Other evidence of strong economic and social ties to Canada (examples include bank letter or statements,
rental agreements/property title, proof of car ownership, etc.)
 Be calm! Answer the questions as clearly and to the best of your ability. If you don’t
understand a question, ask for clarification and answer honestly.
 Prohibited inside the US Embassy:
Food and beverages, backpack, luggage, purses, electronic or recording equipment
 Approved visas are generally ready within 2 business days following the interview
 If refused, you will be given a reason based on the section of U.S. law that applies to your case.
See http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/general/denials.html for information on U.S.
visa denials, including a list of the most common resons.
Photo Template: (take this with you to the photographer)
http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/general/photos.html
Make sure the photo presents the full head from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin. Center the head
with the frame. The person in the photo should have a neutral expression.
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
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In color
Sized such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the
image's total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the headTaken within the last 6 months to
reflect your current appearance
Taken in front of a plain white or off-white background and in full-face view directly facing the camera
With a neutral facial expression and both eyes open
TRV Exemption:

If your trip is only to the U.S., you may re-enter without a TRV as long as you have a valid passport and a valid study permit
or work permit. We recommend you have a current KPU confirmation of enrollment letter and a print out of the
Immigration and Refugee Protection Act section, Division 5- 190 (3) (f) that mentions this TRV exemption: http://lawslois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2002-227/section-190-20110616.html
Updated: April 2015
This is not a legal document. Although we strive to keep this website as up-to-date as possible, information may have changed since our last update.