General Visa information

Office Hours

Tourist/Business Visa Information

Report Change of Address

Grad 0999 Registration requirements

Travel Information

SEVIS Fee

New Visa Application Procedures

USCIS Fees Increase

Course Credit Requiremen

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

Travel Information

• General Information
• Visa in Canada
• Visa in Mexico

How to Apply for a U.S. Visa in Canada or Mexico
General Information

Appointments are Required

General Checklist:

• Check your status with ISSS before departing
• Check information on government web sites (see below)
• Use correct appointment web site – Canada or Mexico?
• Check for required documents before leaving U.S.
• Present NEW visa and documents when re-entering.

General Information – Canada and Mexico

Who Can Be Issued a Visa at a Consular Post in Canada or Mexico?
Individuals who have ever been out of status in the United States because they overstayed their visa are not eligible to apply at a consular post. In other words, if you have remained in the U.S. longer than the period authorized by the immigration officer when you entered the U.S. in any visa category, you must apply in the country of your nationality. If you are not certain about your status, check with an ISSS Adviser before you leave.

Individuals seeking appointments should be aware that applicants may be more likely to encounter difficulties at the time of the interview when they apply for a visa outside of their home district. Consular officers at consular posts will deny visas whenever they believe there are fraud indicators present, or their lack of knowledge of local conditions and familiarity with documents in the applicant's home country prevents them from properly adjudicating the case.

None of the consular posts will accept applications for "E" visas from TCN applicants who are not residents in their consular districts.

Additional Information

Applicants who are unable to attend their scheduled appointments must cancel them two full working days prior to the appointment by calling toll-free to 1-888-611-6676.

Students and Exchange Visitors who are remaining in the same immigration status upon their return to the United States (within thirty days) may find it more convenient to wait and apply for a new visa at home or elsewhere in conjunction with a future foreign trip.

Those who plan to just visit Canada, Mexico, or, the adjacent islands, may re-enter the U.S. within thirty days on expired visas as long as they keep their valid I-94 form during departure. This is called automatic re-validation. Due to an April 1, 2002 change in regulations, applicants will only be able to reenter the United States if they are found eligible for the status written on their I-94 card, and have an expired visa stamped in their passport.   The student or exchange visitor must not have actually applied for a new visa.  If the student or exchange visitor applies for a new visa in Canada or Mexico, they are no longer eligible for automatic re-validation by using a valid I-94 card.  Also, the consular officer will cancel any current visa when the holder is no longer eligible for the visa status, and therefore the holder is not eligible for re-entry to the United States.  Please also check with an ISSS adviser if subject to Special Registration or in the H1-B CapGap.

Visa applicants should take their appointment letters to the interview. They may be admitted without one, but absence of the letter could cause delays.

Certain nationalities require visas from Canadian Authorities in order to enter Canada. Check for a visa issuing Canadian Consulate at the link below.

Official Government (U.S., Canada, Mexico) Internet Sites:

Canada - general information

Canada TCN information