A valid passport is required before the visa application can be processed. The passport must have been issued by the Canadian government, have at least one completely blank page inside of it and also be valid for at least six months after the intended date of departure from the United States. An additional passport photo will be required to be submitted along with the application. These passport photos must be color, 2 X 2, portrait photographs.
The visa application form will vary depending on the reason the applicant is entering the United States. However, all of visa applications can be found online at the United States Department of State website (see Resources) and can be downloaded as PDF files. Applications must be completed in black ink and then signed. Visa applications include questions regarding the visa applicants contact information, visa information, passport information and current employment.
In addition to the visa application if the visa applicant is not planning on permanently residing in the United States (or staying indefinitely) then he must complete a DS-160. This must be filed along with the application from. The DS-160 can be completed online and when the visa applicant is done he must print the conformation page and sign it (see Resources). This is the portion that will be turned in with the application package.
As of April 2010 the visa application fee is $131.00 USD. This amount must be paid to any Scotia Bank. The bank will issue the visa applicant a receipt and this receipt is a required part of the application package.
An interview is required before the United States will grant your visa. The visa interview will be conducted by an immigration officer at one of the United States consulates in Canada. At the interview the visa applicant will have to submit all of the documentation listed above to the immigration officer. Bring a self addressed stamped envelope so that your passport can be mailed back to you in a timely manner and without any additional fees.
