If you plan to travel to Canada and stay less than thirty days, you may be required to obtain a Canadian visa. Please view the following on-line list to determine if citizens from your country are required to obtain visas in order to visit Canada: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp
To obtain a Canadian visa, you may apply by mail to the Canadian Consulate in either Buffalo, New York or New York City. Please note that same-day walk-in service is no longer offered by either consulate. Mailing instructions are provided on the reverse side of this information sheet. There is a processing fee of $75.00 for each single entry visa, and $150.00 for a multiple entry visa. Only certified checks or money orders payable to the “Consulate General of Canada” are acceptable. Cash, credit cards and personal checks are not accepted by mail.
Immigration Regional Programme Centre Immigration Section
Canadian Consulate Canadian Consulate Concourse Level
3000 HSBC Center 30th floor 1251 Avenue of Americas at 50th St.
Main and Seneca Streets, Buffalo, NY 14203-2884 New York, NY 10020-1175
No phone inquiries (212) 596-1783 (recording only)
Buffalo email inquiries: buffalo_im_enquiry@international.gc.ca
Buffalo Web Site: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/missions/buffalo.asp
New York City Web Site: http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/new_york/
When applying for your Temporary Resident (Visitor’s) Visa, use the on line application form available at:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/visa.asp The form can be completed electronically, saved, and then printed and signed.
Be sure that your passport is valid for at least six months into the future on the date you plan to return to the United State. You will also need two passport-type photos taken within the last six months, a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa Application http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/visa.asp, the application fee, and any other documents which will satisfy the officer that you are entering Canada for a temporary purpose (bank statements, letter of invitation from a friend or relative in Canada, etc). F-1 visa holders also must have a valid I-20 with a travel signature on page 3 that is less than twelve months old and all previously issued I-20s. J-1 visa holders must have a valid DS-2019 with a travel signature less than twelve months old and all previously issued DS-2019s. You will also need a letter of certification from the Office of International Student and Scholar Services, verifying that you are a student. If the purpose of your visit to Canada is to meet with the U.S. Consulate to change or renew your status in the United States, you will need to present the U.S. Consulate interview/appointment letter. If you have completed your studies and are on post-completion Optional Practical Training, you must also present your Employment Authorization Card and a letter from your current employer.
You do not need a valid U.S. visa to return to the United States, if your trip to Canada is for less than thirty days, nor should you surrender your I-94 when you cross into Canada. If you are a citizen of Cuba, Iran, Sudan or Syria, a valid US visa is required.
Citizens of all countries requiring a Canadian tourist visa are encouraged to apply by mail if they hold valid non-immigrant status in the United States in the following categories: A, B-1, B-2, E, F, G, H, I, J, L, or M.
Be sure to provide ALL required documents. Incomplete applications will be refused. Be sure to include a postage paid envelope. Return certified or registered mail is recommended, or USPS Express Mail. Documents cannot be returned through courier services. Documents are returned through regular mail only.
The following documents must be submitted in order to obtain the visitor's visa by mail:
*application for a Temporary Resident (TRV) Visa http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/visa.asp
*processing fee (certified check or money order only) payable to the Consulate General of Canada (see reverse side for current fee
*valid passport or travel document valid at least six months into the future
*valid U.S. I-94 form (entry/departure record)
*valid U.S. DS-2019 if in J status (your most recent original form and all previous DS-2019s). The most recent DS-2019 must have a travel signature that is less than twelve months old.
*valid U.S. I-20 if in F status (most recent original form with current signature from the Office of International Student & Scholar Services on page 3 and all previous I-20s). The most recent I-20 must have a travel signature that is less than twelve months old.
*letter of certification from International Student and Scholar Services, verifying that you are a student
*evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself
*any document which relates to the purpose of your visit, e.g., letter of invitation from a Canadian business, relative or sponsoring organization or conference registration materials, or interview letter with US Embassy or US Consulate in Canada.
*evidence of return transportation (B-1/B-2 holders only)
*two passport photos taken within the last six months (write your name and date of birth on the back of each photo)
*pre-paid self-addressed return envelope
Mail everything to the address of the Buffalo or the New York City Consulate on the reverse side of this sheet. The Consulate reserves the right to interview any Visitor Visa applicant.
04/2012
