United States Entry Visas
Citizens of a select group of countries (who fulfill all requirements) do not automatically require a visa to enter the United States as a visitor. Instead they may participate in the Visa Waiver Program. Citizens of all other countries must get a visa to be eligible to enter the United States. The visitor visa is usually known as a B1/B2 (Visitor for Business or Pleasure) visa.
Students whose citizenship requires them to get a visa must apply for a visa and attend an interview. Those in Saint John will usually schedule their interview at the United States Consulate in Halifax.
General information on U.S. visitor visas is available through the U.S. Department of State.
How do I schedule my visa interview?
U.S. Visa appointments, for those currently in Canada, are scheduled online (If you are not already in Canada, see below). You must pay your visa application fee before making your appointment. You must also have your passport and have completed the DS-160 form. After doing so, you may book the appointment. Further details are available on their Before You Apply page.
I haven't come to Canada yet, should I apply for a U.S. visa now?
If you meet the requirements set by the U.S. government while in your home country, you are welcome to proceed. In fact, if you will be in Canada for one year or less, it is a good idea to apply for your visa before coming to Canada. This is because U.S. immigration officials who process applications here will often expect you to be in Canada for at least one academic term before applying.
If you apply in your home country, please note that information on current country-specific fees and the maximum length of a visa (based on citizenship) can be found through the U.S. Department of State. Note: The visitor visa is the B1/B2 visa.
How long will it take for me to get my visa?
While you are never guaranteed a visa, it usually takes at least 6 weeks to get an interview. After the interview, it can take a few days to a few months for a final decision to be made. Most decisions are made within a few days of the interview.
How much will my visa cost?
A U.S. visitor for business or pleasure visa (B1/B2) application will cost $140 US. If you are a citizen of a country that has a specific fee for U.S. citizens, then you will ALSO be charged a "reciprocity fee". Detailed information about available methods of payment can be found under Fee Payment Options.
How long will my visa be valid?
If you apply in Canada, your U.S. Visa (if you get one) is likely to expire no later than your Canadian temporary resident status (ie. Study Permit, Work Permit, etc.). In addition, if there are special limitations on the visas issued to U.S. citizens that hope to enter your home country as a visitor, those same limitations may apply to you.
What should I bring with me to my visa appointment?
It is extremely important to follow the instructions provided when you make your visa appointment. For students, it is particularly important not to forget your transcript, proof of registration and proof you have money to support yourself and pay for your studies here in Canada. Graduate students, particularly Ph.D candidates should also consider bringing a resume/CV outlining research and publications.
What should I expect when entering the United States?
A visa does not guarantee entrance to the United States. You may be inspected at the point of entry. You will be enrolled in the United States Department of Homeland Security US-Visit program. This includes the collection of a digital photograph and fingerprints.
If allowed to enter, you will be issued an Arrival/Departure Record (I-94 white or I-94W green) that will be placed in your passport. It will include the date by which you must leave the country.
Proof of Enrollment/Employment
It is strongly recommended that all students and scholars get proof of their relationship to the University of New Brunswick before leaving Canada. This may make entering the U.S. and/or returning to Canada easier.
Students can get proof of enrollment for no cost from the Registrar’s Office
Exchange students planning to visit the United States after finishing their time at UNBSJ should make sure they have copies of their airline ticket home instead of proof of their studies in Canada.
Health/Travel Insurance
Health care costs in the United States are much higher than costs in Canada and the University’s International Health Insurance Plan offers very limited coverage outside of Canada.
It is extremely important that you consider supplemental insurance when planning to visit the United States (or any country outside of Canada).
Returning to Canada
You may be inspected by Canadian Immigration officials before being allowed to re-enter Canada from the United States. Make sure you have your Study Permit and/or visa with you as well as proof of enrollment in the University.
Do I need to pay tax on items I bought in the United States?
You may be expected to pay taxes and duties on items that you buy while in the United States. The length of your time in the United States determines the value of goods you can bring back to Canada without needing to pay. Details are available from the Canadian Border Services Agency.
Proof of Departure from the United States
When leaving the United States, please return your Arrival/Departure Record (I-94 white or I-94W green) to immigration or airline officials. If you leave the United States with your Arrival/Departure Record (I-94 white or I-94W green) in your passport, it is possible that your departure will not be recorded properly.
If you depart by a commercial air or sea carrier (airlines or cruise ships), your departure from the U.S. can be independently verified, and it is not necessary to take any further action, although holding on to your outbound (from the U.S.) boarding pass - if you still have it - can help ease your re-entry next time you visit the United States.
If you depart by land, private vessel or private plane, you will need to take steps to verify your departure. If you do not validate your timely departure from the United States, or, if you cannot reasonably prove you departed within the time frame given to you when your entered, the next time you apply for admission to the U.S., Customs and Border Protection officials may conclude you remained in the U.S. beyond your authorized stay. If this happens, your visa may be subject to cancellation or you may be returned immediately to your foreign point of origin.
Further instructions on how to record your departure from the United States after you have returned to Canada is available through United States Customs and Border Protection.
