One of the first thing in an international student's or a new immigrant's checklist after coming to Canada is applying for a US visa. Most of the people wait for at least a year before applying to make sure their visa doesn't get rejected. I applied for my US visa as early as possible and my visa was approved the very first time. Once you get your visa, you can make your first US trip either by car or by plane. The neighbouring to Toronto include New York, Chicago and right on the border of Windsor, you can find Deloitte. There are some good views of US cities you can enjoy even from Niagara Falls and Windsor. So, let's see the step-by-step process to apply for the US visa.
Step 1: Arrange all the necessary documents
The first and most important step is to arrange all the required documents. Below is the list of main documents:
1. Passport
2. Current Canadian Immigration Status Document (Work Permit, Study Permit, PR card or any other if applicable)
3. Travel Itinary (if you have already made reservations. This is not mandatory and there is no need to specially book hotel or plane ticket)
4. CV or Resume (to show your work history and current status)
Step 2: Apply for DS-160 Visa Application
DS-160 is an Online Non-Immigrant Visa Application Form. This visa is usually issued for temporary travel to U.S. Once you fill the form and submit, you just need to schedule a visa interview where they verify your information and will probably ask you few other questions on why you need a visa and your intent to travel. Once they are convinced with your profile and answers, you will be issued the visa.
Step 1: Here's the link to the DS-160 form where you can start the application.
DS-160 Electronic Application Website
Step 2: Select the location where you are applying. E.g. if you are applying to the Toronto office, then select CANADA, TORONTO.
Step 3: Now start the application by clicking on the button in the bottom. You may be asked for the type of visa class during the application. Select B1/B2 Business and Tourism if you intent of visit is travel or any other business work.
Step 4: Fill out answers to the rest of the questions asked in the form. Once done, you will be asked to pay the application fee and schedule the visa interview. The usual application fee is US $160. Also, make sure you have a passport photograph ready as you will need it to upload in the application form. Check out this detailed passport photo requirements. After paying the fees, you will receive a barcode for your application.
Step 5: Now, schedule your visa interview. You will have the option to select the date and time.
Step 6: Take the print out of the application confirmation page. You need to bring it to the visa interview. You can also email the confirmation to your email address and print it later. You will also receive a confirmation email regarding the interview date, time and venue details. The email will also include a deadline before which you can reschedule your interview. This can be done by going to the 'Application Summary Page'.
Step 7: Arrange all the documents for the interview.
Below is the list of general document requirements for all the visa types:
1. Current Passport valid for travel to the United States. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay in the United States
2. A passport containing the most recently issued U.S. Visa (if applicable).
3. Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
4. Confirmation and Instructions page printed from the website.
5. One 5 x 5 cm (or 2" x 2") color photo taken within the last 6 months. Further details regarding Department of State photo guidelines can be found at US Visa Photo Guidelines.
6. Accompanying family members, unless entering the United States for another purpose, should present a marriage certificate (spouse) and/or birth certificate (for unmarried children under 21), as applicable.
7. Copy of proof of your legal status in Canada (work permit/study permit/PR card/etc)
You will also receive all the document details in your email.
Step 8: Go to for the interview on selected date and time. Reach early as there may be a long queue. They won't allow you to take a mobile phone, wallet, bags, any other item with you inside. So, you will either have to give it to your friend/family member or drop it to any nearby store. For the interview in Toronto, there is a small convenience store at a walking distance who keep your bags and stuff for an hour or two. They are charging around $10 though.
Step 9: Answer all the questions they ask you calmly and tell them everything correctly. They will ask you general questions like why do you want to go to the US, where are you going, what are you doing in Canada, what are your qualifications, etc. If you will try to bluff anything, they will probably sense it and won't approve your application.
Once all this is done, your visa will either be approved or rejected (you will be given pink slip). The visa officer will let you know instantly after the interview. Hopefully, it will be approved for all of you and they will keep your passport for stamping. After this, the last step is to go and collect your passport from the office you selected during the application. This might take around 14 days.
That's it and you are good to go travel the US. Good Luck. Feel free to get in touch with me on Instagram or Facebook if you have any questions.