International Students

Travel to Canada

General visa information

Entry to Canada

You can obtain an entry visa to Canada either by mail or by visiting the Canadian Consulate. Please note that students from certain countries will be required to wait for 10-15 business days for the visa issuance; therefore, we suggest that you apply through the mail. Leave 30 days for processing.

The closest Canadian Consulates to Columbus are in Detroit, Michigan and Buffalo, New York. If you are not certain that you need to obtain a visa to enter Canada, you should consult the web addresses found below for further information.

DETROIT
Canadian Consulate General
600 Renaissance Center, Suite 1100
Detroit, Michigan 48243-1798
Tel. (313) 567-2085
Walk-ins: Mon-Fri 8:30-11 a.m
First come, first served
www.detroit.gc.ca		 BUFFALO
Consulate General of Canada
1 HSBC Center, Suite 3000
Buffalo, New York 14203-2884
Tel. (716) 858-9501
Walk-ins: Mon-Fri 8:00-11 a.m.
First come, first served
www.buffalo.gc.ca

Make sure to have your signed I-20 or DS-2019, I-94, passport and the proper amount of money when you visit the Canadian Consulate. It is best to arrive early.

Learn more about Automatic Revalidation if re-entering the United States on an expired visa.

If you wish to obtain a U.S. visa while in Canada, here are the steps:

  1. Determine the type of visa required to travel to the United States. Information about visa types can be found online.
  2. Complete the online visa application form, DS-160. The DS-160 is a U.S. Government on-line form and can only be completed at ceac.state.gov/CEAC. Each applicant must complete this form before using any services on this website
  3. Return to Official U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Service website and complete the following application steps to schedule a Consular Section appointment:
    • Create a user account
    • Enter the DS-160 confirmation number for each applicant applying for a Visa
    • Complete the courier document return process
    • Pay the Nonimmigrant Visa (MRV) application fee(s)
    • Schedule a Consular Section appointment
  4. Attend the Consular Section appointment
  5. After your interview, please follow specific instructions provided by the consular section or check this website for visa status and delivery information

For more information, visit ais.usvisa-info.com/en-ca/niv or contact +1 703 249 4643.

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