Nonimmigrants in the United States–Applying for Visas in Canada or Mexico


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How to Apply for a Visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate as a Third Country National in Canada or Mexico

Any third country national (TCN)* present in the United States and visitors present in Canada or Mexico who wish to apply for a nonimmigrant visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulates in Canada or Mexico, must make an appointment for an interview. U.S. Consulates are located in Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Toronto, Vancouver, Ciudad Juarez, Guadalajara, Hermosillo, Matamoros, Merida, Mexico City, Monterrey, Nogales, Nuevo Laredo and Tijuana.

Applicants who wish to apply for their U.S. visa in Canada must visit http://canada.usvisa-info.com/ to obtain information about how to start their application for a U.S. visa at a consular section in Canada. Applicants will be required to pay their visa application processing fee prior to scheduling an appointment. Please see the website for additional information.

Applicants who wish to apply for their visa in Mexico must visit http://mexico.usvisa-info.com to obtain information about how to start their application for a U.S. visa at a consular section in  Mexico. Applicants will be required to pay their visa application processing fee prior to scheduling an appointment. Please see the website for additional information.

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Who May Not Apply for a Visa at an Embassy or Consulate at the U.S. Border?

Individuals who have been out of status in the United States because they violated the terms of their visa or overstayed the validity indicated on their admission stamp or paper Form I-94 are not eligible to apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate at the border. In other words, if you have remained in the United States longer than the period authorized by the immigration officer when you entered the United States in any visa category, you must apply in the country of your nationality or legal permanent residence. If you are not certain about your status, check with the nearest U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) office.

U.S. Embassies and Consulates routinely do not accept applications for "E" visas from third country national applicants who are not resident in their consular districts.

 

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Additional Information

Nonimmigrants who are already in the United States, have an expired visa, and remain in legal status are encouraged to apply for a new visa at non-border U.S. Embassies and Consulates in conjunction with foreign travel for business or pleasure. Those who plan to visit Canada, Mexico or, in the cases of students and exchange visitors, adjacent islands, may re-enter the United States within thirty days on expired U.S. visas as long as they possess a valid admission stamp or paper Form I-94 unless they are excluded from automatic revalidation, as noted below.

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Entering the United States: Port-of-Entry

CBP officials have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. In advance of travel, prospective travelers should review admissions and entry requirements, restrictions about bringing food, agricultural products, and other restricted/prohibited goods, and more by reviewing the CBP website.

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Re-Entry into the United States: Important Information

If you are traveling to the United States with a nonimmigrant visa, and are taking a short trip(s) to Canada and Mexico, review the Automatic Revalidation webpage. Anyone who has applied for and been refused visa issuance at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate is prohibited from re-admission or re-entry to the United States in the same visa category, even though they are in possession of a valid admission stamp or paper Form I-94. Travelers who are citizens of countries on the State Department's list of State Sponsors of Terrorism are prohibited from re-entering the United States using solely an admission stamp or paper Form I-94 if their visa has expired. Citizens from State Sponsors of Terrorism countries must be interviewed and obtain a new visa rather than re-enter the United States using solely their admission stamp or paper Form I-94.