Why apply for a US Tourist Visa?

The United States welcomes millions of tourists each year for leisure activities and short-term business or medical purposes because it is one of the world's top tourist destinations. The United States welcomes millions of visitors each year from various countries who participate in tourism along with family visits and temporary business needs and medical treatments. Foreign passport holders who reside in Canada require a B1/B2 visa to travel to the United States for short visits.
 

• More than 72.4 million people visited the United States last year
• The B1/B2 visa permits temporary stays for business and leisure activities along with medical treatment.
• Multiple entry visa validity lasts up to ten years for most nationalities.
• Expedited application process provided you have all the required documentation
• U.S. consulates in Canada process thousands of visa applications annually.
   

What is a B1/B2 Visa?

The B1/B2 Visa provides non-immigrant status for temporary travel to the United States.
 

• The B1 visa lets people travel to the United States for work-related activities which include meetings and negotiations.
• The B2 Visa specifically permits visits to the United States for tourism activities and medical treatment as well as visiting relatives.
   

Most applicants receive a combined B1/B2 visa, allowing flexibility for both business and personal travel. The amount of time allowed for each visit is established by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon entry which generally extends for 6 months.
 

*Looking to visit the US? Sign up with Y-Axis for end-to-end assistance with the process.
 

Tourist visa for USA from Canada

Residents of Canada holding Indian passports must acquire a B1/B2 visa to visit the United States. Visas are not required for short visits to the U.S. by Canadian citizens but foreign passport holders living in Canada need to complete the standard visa process. The application proceeds through DS-160 online submission followed by an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, or Calgary.
 

Types of US Visit Visa

The table below has a complete overview of the different types of US visit visas:

Visa Type	Purpose
B-1	Business meetings & conference
B-2	For vacation, participate in contests or social events or for medical treatment.
Transit C	Traveling to other countries through the US, stopping for a short time in the US
Transit C-1, D, and C-1/D	Crew members of international airlines or sea vessels traveling to the US
H-1B and Dependents	H-1B visa is a non-immigrant work visa. Dependents cannot accompany the visa holders.
L1 and Dependents	An l-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for intra-company transfers.
J1 and Dependents	J-1 visa is for work-and-study-based exchange and visitor programs in the U.S

 

Requirements for a US Tourist visa

US Tourist Visa applicants must fulfil the following requirements:
 

• The passport must remain valid for at least 6 months beyond the expected stay duration.
• The DS-160 application form needs to be completed.
• Show the Visa fee receipt.
• Bring their interview appointment confirmation for U.S. consulate meetings.
• The required documents include travel plans, funds proof, employment confirmation and stated visit reasons.
• Each applicant must provide a U.S. photo that meets the official requirements.
• Provide documents which demonstrate their strong connections to Canada or their home country.
   

Benefits of a US Visit Visa

• Multiple entries for up to 10 years
• Stay in the U.S. for up to 6 months during each visit.
• Travel for both tourist activities and business purposes along with medical needs.
• Travel across all 50 U.S. states along with its territories.
• Explore educational and professional opportunities in the country.
   

How to apply for a US Tourist Visa from Canada?

You can follow the below steps to acquire a US Tourist Visa from Canada:

Step 1: Complete the DS-160 visa application form through online submission then save the confirmation page.

Step 2: Submit the visa application fee of approximately USD 185.

Step 3: Set up your profile on the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services Canada.

Step 4: Schedule your biometrics and consular interview appointment

Step 5: Track your application status while waiting for your passport to return with the attached visa.
 

US Visa Cost

A standard B1/B2 visa application costs USD 185.

The table below has a complete breakdown of the US visa costs:

Visa Type	Cost
Non-immigrant visa types such as tourist, business, student, and exchange visas	US$185
Petition-based visas	US$205

 

Note: The visa fees once paid is non-refundable, no matter the outcome of the application.
 

Validity of Different Types of US Visas

Different US Visa types come with different durations of validity.

The table below gives you an overview of the validity for each US visit visa:

Visa Type	Purpose	Validity	Stay Duration per Visit
B1	Business	Up to 10 years	Up to 6 months
B2	Tourism/Medical	Up to 10 years	Up to 6 months
B1/B2	Business + Tourism	Up to 10 years	Up to 6 months
C	Transit through U.S.	Up to 29 days	Single entry

 

DS 160 Form

The DS-160 serves as the official non-immigrant U.S. visa application document. The form requires online completion before printing the confirmation page which you must bring to your visa appointment. The application contains inquiries regarding travel details and background information along with employment data and security checks. The DS 160 form must reflect accurate details that align with your submitted documents because inaccurate information may result in application rejections or delays.
 

DS 160 application

All B1/B2 visa seekers must fill out the DS-160 as the mandatory online Non-immigrant Visa Application form. The form completion process takes place through the Consular Electronic Application Centre (CEAC) website. You need to print the confirmation page that contains the barcode after submitting your application because you need it to book your visa interview. Each person who applies for a visa needs to complete their individual DS-160 application form including children.
 

How can Y-Axis help you?

Y-Axis identifies the best strategy for a successful visa application.
 

• Advises you for the required funds that need to be displayed
• Guides you on the documents required
• Helps you in filling the forms
• Review your documents before you submit your visa application
   

Y-Axis has the knowledge and experience to guide you in the visa application procedure.