Does a canadian permanent resident need a visa for usa

Ajay Sharma

President, Abhinav.com, Contributor Content

Sharma has been a Serial Entrepreneur. He is among the pioneers in Global Mobility in India since 1994. He is focused on providing immigration consulting for Startups, citizenship by investment, and residency by investment visas.

People who gain permanent residence in Canada can eventually apply for citizenship, provided they have been living in the country for at least three years (1095 days) within the five years preceding the citizenship application. Once citizenship is attained, they can move to the USA through the TN 1 visa if they have a valid job offer – in one of the eligible occupations - from a US employer. TN 1 visa is issued for three years and can be renewed. There is no limit to the number of times it can be renewed.

The process is very straightforward. TN visa applicants can even bring their spouse and children (under 21) to the USA while the TN visa is valid. Dependent family members can apply for a TD visa. If the application is approved, the dependents receive an I-94 record stating their duration of stay in the USA, usually the same as that of the TN visa holder.

Think you check all the immigration boxes? Find out

TD visa holders cannot work in the USA, but they can study at US institutions without applying for a student visa. The duration of stay can be extended, provided the dependents hold a valid passport that extends beyond their stay period, have not violated the terms of staying in the USA, and have not committed a crime. The process of applying for an extension should be initiated at least 45 days in advance before the I-94 record expires.

Eligibility requirements
The dependents must demonstrate their relationship with the TN visa holder by providing the
following documents:

• Birth and marriage certificates – originals and copies
• Wedding ceremony proof – photos, guest list, etc.
• Valid passports for all applicants

The TN visa holder also has to provide certain documents:

• Passport copy with a valid I-94
• Job offer or employment letter copy from the US employer
• Recent pay stubs and letters from the US employer

Application Process
Since Canadian citizens do not need a travel visa to enter the USA, dependents can apply for the TD visa at a port of entry. In contrast, the primary applicant applies for a TN visa. All applicants must prove their Canadian citizenship by showcasing valid passports. Dependent children under 16 years old have to provide a Canadian citizenship card or a birth certificate. The advantage is that there are no annual caps for the number of applications under this visa category and the application fee is very low.

Applying for a US green card while being on TN 1 visa
TN 1 visa is not a dual intent visa. That means that you should not make an application for a green card while being on this visa. However, you can apply for a US green card by changing your Visa category to another non-immigrant category like H-1 and L-1. They are dual intent visa categories.

So one could go on the TN 1 visa and get the employer to sponsor under the H-1 or L-1 visa. Another option is to move back to Canada and apply for a US green card while being a Canadian Citizen. In that case, your application will be processed as per the priority date.

There is an exception, though for American citizens born in Canada. They are permitted to apply for green card by proving their family lineage.

( Originally published on Jul 24, 2021 )

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.)

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The Canadian passport is among the most powerful in the world. Its citizens can currently visit 184 world countries without the need for a visa.

The United States is among these countries as well. Canadians, along with Bermudians, are the only nationals that do not need a visitor visa to enter the US for nonimmigrant purposes.

Do Canadian Citizens Need a Visa for USA?

Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter the US for nonimmigrant purposes, except in the following cases:

• Treaty traders and investors (requires E Visa)
• Foreign citizen fiancé(e) (K-1 Visa), as well as the fiancé(e)’s children (K-2 Visa)
• A US. citizen’s foreign citizen spouse traveling to reside in the US. while awaiting final completion of the process of immigration (K-3 Visa), as well as the spouse’s children (K-4 Visa)
• Spouses of lawful permanent residents (V-1 Visas), as well as the spouse’s children who are traveling to reside in the US. while awaiting final completion of the process of immigration (V-2 Visas)
• Non-immigrants traveling to the United States for work (Non-Immigrant Visas), including
  • Canadian government officials (A Visas), if entering the US for temporary or permanent assignment;
  • Officials and employees of international organizations (G Visas), if entering the US for temporary or permanent assignment; and
  • NATO officials, representatives, and employees, only if they are being assigned to the US (as opposed to an official trip).

Canadian and Bermudian citizens are the only nationals in the world that can enter the US for non-immigrant purposes without an ESTA. Therefore, Canadian passport holders do not need ESTA.

However, the case is different for foreigners residing in Canada. There are 40 world countries that fall under the US Visa Waiver program. If you are a national of one of them, residing in Canada, you will need an ESTA to enter the United States.

To determine if you can visit the US without a visa, use this tool:

The application process for a US Visa from Canada consists of some steps that you have to follow in the correct order.

Here’s how to apply for a US visa in Canada:

1. Check what type of US visa you need.
2. Find out where you need to apply.
3. Complete the online application form.
4. Pay the machine-readable visa (MRV) fee.
5. Gather the required documents for a US visa from Canada.
6. Make a US visa appointment.
7. Attend the visa interview.

Check what type of US visa you need

The US has a wide range of visa types. Therefore, the first thing you should do is to check what type of visa you need to enter the US from Canada. The application process, as well as the fees and required documents, depend on the visa type you are applying for.

Check where you need to apply

When applying for a nonimmigrant US Visa from Canada, you will have to lodge your application at the appropriate visa center to which the US embassy has outsourced visa submission for residents of Canada.

On the other side, if you are applying for an immigrant US visa from Canada, then your petitioner (sponsor in the US) will need to submit your application at the National Visa Center in the United States.

Complete the online application form

Complete the appropriate visa application form depending on your visa type. Note that the application forms differ according to the visa type you are applying.

The application form contains questions about personal information as your full name, marital status, address, birth details, contact number and email, passport details, family information, education, and work information etc.

You can fill the DS-160 form online through:

• the Consular Electronic Application Center, or
• by using the services of a third-party company such as VisaExpress.

Pay the US Visa Fee Online in Canada

After you answer all questions honestly, pay the US Visa Fee Online in Canad and schedule an interview. You can pay a US visa fee in Canada in the following forms:

• Online Payment with Credit/Debit Card
• Online Banking Transfer or Cash at Your Own Bank
• Cash

The MRV Fee for visa applicants from Canada depends on the type of US visa one applies for. The US Visa Fee in Canada are as follows:

• MRV Fee – $160
• Petition Based Applicants (H, L, O, P, Q, R) – $190
• TN visa applicants – $460

*Note that if you are applying for an A, G, or NATO visa for official travel, you do not need to pay the MRV fee.

Collect the required documents for a US visa from Canada

The main part of every US visa application in Canada is the gathering of required documents.  Check what documents you need to submit depending on your US visa type and nationality. There is a number of certain required documents for every type of US visa that the applicant will have to submit. Collect all these documents according to their instructions.

Keep in mind that the whole application process for a US visa depends on these documents. The visa interview is a determinant factor in whether you get a visa or not.

Following, find the commonly required documents to apply for a US visa in Canada:

• Appointment confirmation page.
• Confirmation page that you have completed the application form DS-160 – which you will receive in your email after completing the form.
• Valid Passport – for at least 6 months beyond your date of planned stay in the US. Keep in mind that your passport must have at least one blank page in order to be able to affix visa.
• Two identical US visa photos – of 5 x 5 cm size, color and taken within the last 6 months. If you have successfully uploaded a picture to the DS-160 application form, then you are not required to submit an additional photo.
• Previous US visas (if applicable) – if you have ever been to the US, you must show proof by presenting the visas. If these visas are affixed in and older passport then take that passport with you too at the appointment center.
• ACRO – which is a police certificate you obtain from the authorities in your country and proves if you have ever been arrested, cautioned or convicted.
• Letter from an approved physician, if you have a medical condition that could have a bearing on your eligibility for a visa. If you are applying for a green card you need to submit results of a medical exam. 
• Letter of invitation for B-2 visa applicants

If you have ever been rejected from entering or deported from the US, you must also submit documents in this regard, which show the reasons behind the deportation/rejection.

After collecting all the required documents, it is highly recommended that you have a look into the available travel insurance plans for the United States.

Schedule a US visa appointment in Canada

If you are under the age of 14 or over the age of 79 you will not need to show up for an interview. On the other hand, every other applicant from 14 to 79 that applies for a USA visa from Canada has to appear in person at the US consulate or embassy for the US visa interview. Applicants under 14 and over 79 are eligible to apply by a courier.

You can attend your US visa interview at the US Embassy in Ottawa, or at one of the following consulates across Canada:

• US Consulate General in Calgary
• US Consulate General in Halifax
• US Consulate General in Montreal
• US Consulate General in Quebec
• US Consulate General in Toronto
• US Consulate General in Vancouver
• US Consulate in Winnipeg

Apply for a US Visa from Toronto

To submit a US visa application from Toronto you need to attend an interview. You should appoint the interview online since the consulate does not accept walk-in applications.

You need to pay your visa application fee prior to scheduling an appointment to apply for US visa in Toronto.

• Address: 360 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1S4
• Telephone: 437-887-1448
• Non-immigrant visa email: [email protected]
• Investor visa email: [email protected]

Apply for a US Visa in Calgary

To submit a US visa application from Calgary you need to attend an interview. You should appoint the interview online since the consulate does not accept walk-in applications.

You need to pay your visa application fee prior to scheduling an appointment to apply for US visa in Calgary.

• Address: US. Consulate General Calgary, 615 MacLeod Trail SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 4T8
• Telephone: 403-266-8962
• Fax: 403-264-6630
• Email: [email protected]

Apply for a US Visa in Vancouver

To submit a US visa application in Vancouver you need to attend an interview. You should appoint the interview online since the consulate does not accept walk-in applications.

You need to pay your visa application fee prior to scheduling an appointment to apply for US visa in Vancouver.

• Address: 1075 West Pender Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 2M6
• Telephone: 604-685-4311
• Non-immigrant visa email: [email protected]
• Fiancé/fiancée visa email: [email protected]
• Investor visa email: [email protected]

Apply for a US Visa in Montreal

To submit a US visa application from Montreal you need to attend an interview. You should appoint the interview online since the consulate does not accept walk-in applications.

You need to pay your visa application fee prior to scheduling an appointment to apply for US visa in Montreal.

• Address: 1155 rue St. Alexandre, Montréal, Quebec, H3B 3Z1
• Telephone: 514-398-9695
• Non-immigrant visa e-mail: [email protected]
• Immigrant visa e-mail: [email protected]
• Fiancé/Fiancée visa email: [email protected]
• Diversity visa email: [email protected]

Apply for a US Visa in Ottawa

To submit a US visa application from Ottawa you need to attend an interview. You should appoint the interview online since the consulate does not accept walk-in applications.

You need to pay your visa application fee prior to scheduling an appointment to apply for US visa in Ottawa.

• Address: 490 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1N 1G8
• Telephone: 613-238-5335
• Email: [email protected]

Apply for a US Visa in Halifax

To submit a US visa application from Toronto you need to attend an interview. You should appoint the interview online since the consulate does not accept walk-in applications.

You need to pay your visa application fee prior to scheduling an appointment to apply for US visa in Toronto.

Address: 1969 Upper Water Street, Suite 904, Purdy’s Wharf, Tower II, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3R7

Telephone: 902-429-2480

Email: [email protected]

Apply for a US Visa in Quebec

To submit a US visa application from Toronto you need to attend an interview. You should appoint the interview online since the consulate does not accept walk-in applications.

You need to pay your visa application fee prior to scheduling an appointment to apply for US visa in Toronto.

• Address: 2, rue de la Terrasse Dufferin, Quebec, Quebec City, QC G1R 4N5
• Telephone: 418-692-2095
• Email: [email protected]

Attend the US visa interview in Canada

On the day of your appointment, show up on time, since if you are late your appointment might be canceled, especially if there is a crowd waiting to get interviewed. Have all your documents with you, and nicely organized so you will not have a mess in your hands when you meet the consular officer.

Before you attend the interview, the embassy/consulate staff will collect, data enter and examine your application documents. You will have your fingerprints scanned, and then you will have a few-minutes-short interview with a consular officer who will ask you about why you wish to enter the US and other questions regarding your trip.

To increase your chances of having a successful US. Visitor Visa application you can use the services of VisaExpress.

The experienced VisaExpress agents will carefully handle your application and offer the help you need during your US. Visitor Visa Application.

TN Visa for Canadian Citizens

To create better relationships between countries in America, the US in cooperation with Canada and Mexico created the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This agreement, besides its economic and trade benefits, also has traveling and working advantages on a TN visa.

The TN Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows citizens of Canada to live and work in the US temporarily. The holders of this visa have to return to Canada upon its expiration. This visa allows only citizens of Canada and Mexico, not permanent residents, to work in the US if they find a job beforehand.

A distinct feature of the TN visa is the fact that there is no need for sponsoring from the employer. This makes the fees for the employer and employee very low. The employer does not have to pay the listed fees as in the H-1B visa, except for the Form I-129 petition fee and premium processing fee of $1,225.

Do Canadian Citizens Need a Visa to Study in the US?

Canadians that wish to carry their studies in the US, do not need to obtain a US student visa. However, they still need to obtain a few documents that must be showed to the US Officer at the port of entry.

These documents are as follows:

• A valid Canadian passport.
• An original I-20 certificate or a DS-2019.
• Evidence of paid SEVIS fee.
• Evidence of financial means to cover expenses in the US (including school fees).
• Proof of strong ties with Canada.

Native Indians Born in Canada Traveling to the US

Since the Jay Treaty signed in 1974, the Native Indians born in Canada can freely move from Canada to the US, without the need to obtain a visa first. However, they must be able to show strong evidence that they are at least 50% of the American Indian race.

Such evidence might be:

• an identification card from the Ministry of Indian and Northern Affairs
• a written statement from an official of the tribe from which your ancestors originate (which must explicitly state what percentage American Indian blood you or your parents possess, based on official records)

The traveler must also provide other identification documents as:

• driver’s license, or
• passport

A Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant travel document, which makes special provisions for First Nation travelers, is also required.

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