travel to canada from us
International Students in the US - Requirements for Travel to Canada
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Canada is an attractive and convenient travel destination for international students in the United States.
Many foreign students in the US take the opportunity to explore North America and experience the exciting cities, vast natural landscapes, and distinct cultures that Canada has to offer. Before you go, consider these two important factors:
1- Ensure that all your United States immigration documents are in order so that you will not have any problems returning to the USA.
F-1 Student Visa Holders will require
A valid SEVIS Form I-20, signed on Page 3 by an advisor at your International Student Services Office;
A valid F visa stamp in your passport (unless you qualify for Automatic Visa Revalidation*);
Evidence of monetary support as listed in Section 8 of the I-20.
Note: F-2 Dependents will need their own originals of the first two items.
Note: If you have F-1 Practical Training you will need to carry your Employment Authorization Card (EAC) and your letter of employment/research. If you are not yet employed, you will need a proof of personal funds. The travel signature for Post-Graduation Practical Training is valid for a period of six months.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa Holders will require
A valid DS-2019, signed in the Travel Validation section by a responsible officer of your Exchange Visitor Program;
A valid J visa stamp in your passport (unless you qualify for Automatic Visa Revalidation*);
Evidence of monetary support as listed in Section 5 of the DS-2019.
Note: F-2 Dependents will need their own originals of the first two items.
* Under the process of Automatic Visa Revalidation, most students can return to the US from Canada on an expired visa stamp, provided that their stay in Canada is no longer than 30 days. Citizens of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea, and Cuba are not eligible for Automatic Visa Revalidation. These students will need to apply for a new visa stamp at a United States consulate or embassy if their visa stamp will be expired upon re-entry to the US.
2- Find out whether you will need a Canada Visitor Visa in order to travel to Canada.
Unless your country of citizenship is among the visa exempt countries, you will need to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) from Citizenship and Immigration Canada. A tourist TRV is generally issued for a period of six months and can be obtained at your nearest Canadian Immigration Visa Office.
Citizens of Canada traveling to the United States do not require a nonimmigrant visa, except for the travel purposes described below. Additionally, Canadian citizens who are ineligible for a visa under immigration law, or have previously violated the terms of their immigration status in the United States, can Learn More about ineligibilities related to Canadians on the CBP website. Canadian citizens with ineligibilities also have the option of applying for a visa and a waiver at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if it is more convenient for them.
Canadians require nonimmigrant visas for temporary travel to the United States for these purposes:
Foreign government officials (A); officials and employees of international organizations (G); and NATO officials, representatives, and employees assigned to the United States (NATO)
Treaty traders (E-1)
Treaty investors (E-2)
Fiancé(e)s (K-1)
Children of fiancé(e)s (K-2)
Spouse of a U.S. citizen traveling to the United States to complete the immigration process (K-3)
Children of a foreign citizen spouse (K-4) described above
Informant supplying critical information relating to a criminal organization (S-5)
Informant supplying critical information relating to terrorism (S-6)
Qualified family member (S-7) of an S-5 or S6 visa holder described above
Permanent residents (landed immigrants) of Canada must have a nonimmigrant visa unless the permanent resident is a national of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), meets the VWP requirements, and is seeking to enter the United States for 90 days or less under that program.
Additional resources for Canadian visitors to the United States can be found on the U.S. Embassy and Consulate websites in Canada – including information for Entering the United States and Business Travel to the United States.
Visa Requirements - Citizens of Bermuda
Citizens of Bermuda traveling to the United States do not require a nonimmigrant visa for travel up to 180 days, except for the travel purposes described below. Additionally, Bermudian citizens do not require a visa unless they are ineligible for a visa under U.S. immigration law, or have previously violated the terms of their immigration status in the United States.
Citizens of Bermuda require nonimmigrant visas when traveling to the United States for these purposes:
Foreign government officials (A); and officials and employees of international organizations (G)
Fiancé(e)s (K-1)
Children of fiancé(e)s (K-2)
Spouse of a U.S. citizen traveling to the United States to complete the immigration process (K-3)
Children of a foreign citizen spouse (K-4) described above
Informant supplying critical information relating to a criminal organization (S-5)
Informant supplying critical information relating to terrorism (S-6)
Qualified family member (S-7) of an S-5 or S6 visa holder described above
Other travel purposes where the intended stay is longer than 180 days
Additional resources for Bermudian visitors to the United States can be found on the U.S. Embassy Hamilton website under Visa Exemptions for Bermudians.
