What Happensat the U.S. Consulate?

Presentation Topics

Do I need a visa? What is a visa? Visa Types Application Process The Interview Other Resources

What’s a visa?

A Visa is: a permit to apply for entry to the U.S.

A Visa does NOT: guarantee entry into the United States determine the length of time you may stay in the

United States

A two-step dance…

The Department of State consular officers conduct personal interviews grants visas

The Department of Homeland Security (POE) admits into U.S. (the FINAL word) limits the duration of stay in U.S.

Why are you traveling?

Visitor for Business or Pleasure (B-1/B-2)

Petition Based Visas: Student Visitors (F-1) Exchange Visitors (J-1) Foreign Workers (H-1B, L-1, TN)

Note: Above classifications and documentation requirements are relevant for Canadian citizens, but they do not require visas.

Procedures for Canadian Citizens No visas – proceed to POE with passport and: Academic Study (F-1)

I-20, evidence of financial support Proof of SEVIS registration and fee payment

Internships (J-1 or TN) J-1 DS-2019, SEVIS registration & fee receipt TN job offer letter and proof of qualifications

Employment (H-1B, L-1 or TN) H-1B or L-1 I-797 TN job offer letter and proof of qualifications

Procedures for Visa Waiver

Why will I travel? How long will I stay? 27 Participating countries:

Andorra Iceland NorwayAustralia Ireland PortugalAustria Italy San MarinoBelgium Japan SingaporeBrunei Liechtenstein SloveniaDenmark Luxembourg SpainFinland Monaco SwedenFrance the Netherlands SwitzerlandGermany New Zealand United Kingdom

Does my passport qualify? http://travel.state.gov

Plan Ahead

Appointments filled 45 business days in advance Most visas can be issued within 2-4 days, but

some require months of processing Typical reasons for processing delays are

clearance requirements and waivers Every applicant’s situation is unique An approval notice or interview appointment

does not guarantee the issuance of a visa

Complete Application Form Online

visa application forms available online via our appointment scheduling service at www.nvars.com or at travel.state.gov ; the DS-156 must be completed online and printed with bar code; bring your completed forms to your interview

Procedures for Non-Canadians Gain admission or get hired School or employer files/issues paperwork Make an appointment for a visa interview Prepare for interview/gather required items

Electronic application (DS-156, -157, -158) $131 application fee / possibly reciprocity fees Valid passport 6 months after travel date Supporting documentation (as discussed) 1 recent photo

All for **each** applicant Attend your interview at the Consulate

The big day…

Plan to spend about 2 hours at the Consulate Arrive on time- bring all required paperwork,

photo, fees, etc. Clear security (no food or electronics- cell

phones, calculators etc.) Intake- no blanks on your application! 10-fingerprints Interview

What do I have to prove?

You picked the right visa category You qualify for that type of visa You are a bona-fide applicant

214(b) for F and J visas- the assumption of immigrant intent

Background, experience and purpose of travel all make sense

Role of supporting docs

An average interview lasts 2 min