Visa applications at border posts in Canada

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U.S. visa offices in Canada generally accept nonimmigrant visa applications from third country nationals (TCN). Unlike posts in Mexico, posts in Canada impose no restrictions by nationality, meaning that they will accept applications also from citizens of the "T4" and "List of 26" countries. Applicants from these countries should expect to encounter the significant delays that are associated with security advisory opinions (SAO).

Also, unlike posts in Mexico, Canadian posts will accept initial visa applications, as well as applications for reissuance (extension).

Applicants who applied for and received a change of nonimmigrant status from "B" to another category may encounter difficulties with applications in Canada. Other change of status recipients, however, should not encounter any unusual problems.

Posts in Canada will not accept TCN E-2 visa applications - neither initial nor reissuance.

Obviously, TCNs who have incurred unlawful presence and are subject to the provisions of Section 222(g) may not apply. They are required by law to apply only at their "home" consular post.

Applicants should review the information available for each consular post on that post's website:

Ottawa
Calgary
Montreal
Quebec
Toronto
Vancouver
Winnipeg

Most applicants for visas in Canada must obtain visas for entry. To learn more about Canadian visa requirements, click here. Citizens of some countries are exempt from having to apply for visas to enter Canada. Anecdotally, the Canadian consulates in Buffalo, Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York are said to provide particularly prompt and efficient service.

Please also read the pages for consular visa applications generally and border posts generally.

Applicants who have DUI convictions should retain Canadian immigration counsel before applying for a visa.

For information about applying for a nonimmigrant visa at a non-border post, please click here.

To discuss your visa application experience, or read what others have to say on this subject, please click here to be taken to the Immigration Information Discussion Forum.