Nonimmigrant Visa Consular Appointments for Third Country Nationals
We urge you to contact us prior to making any international travel plans so that we may provide you with up-to-date and detailed information.
As an alternative to applying in their home country, many nonimmigrant visa applicants may apply for visa issuance at a U.S. Consulate in Canada or Mexico. These U.S. Consular offices are located in Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Toronto, Vancouver, Ciudad Juarez, Matamoros, and Tijuana. Although most individuals are eligible to apply at these posts, there are also many individuals who are not.
We urge you to contact us prior to making any international travel plans so that we may provide you with up-to-date and detailed information about visa issuance procedures of the U.S. Consulate in the country to which you are traveling. Please note that as a general rule, our office asks that you make your own appointment as you are best aware of your own schedule and availability.
The following describes the procedures and information required to make a consular appointment for a nonimmigrant, third-country national visa applicant in Canada or Mexico. The U.S. Department of State maintains an internet-based appointment system enabling third-country nationals (“TCNs”) to schedule appointments at U.S. Consulates in Canada and Mexico. Fees for this internet service must be charged to a major credit card. Appointments may be made from the system’s web site. Additional information can be obtained from the State Department’s web site on U.S. visa policies and procedures.
Alternatively, applicants may schedule their appointments over the telephone via the U.S. Department of State's 900-number telephone system. To use the 900-number, TCNs calling from the United States should call 1-900-443-3131 (you will be charged US$1.65 per minute). Those calling from Canada should call 1-900-451-2778 (you will be charged CDN$2.00 per minute). Please note that some phone lines may have a block on 900 numbers. TCNs who wish to charge the call to a credit card should call (888) 840-0032. You should have the following information available when calling to make an appointment:
- First and last names
- Date of birth (month/day/year)
- Passport number
- Nationality & country of birth
- Type of visa
Appointments should be made well in advance. The operator will give you a confirmation number for your appointment. This is an important number that you should note, and also, if possible, communicate with us. The Consulate will send you a confirmation letter indicating the appointment date and time, and will send you a Form DS-156. We will be happy to assist you in the completion of the Form DS-156 and compilation of other documents you will be required to present to the U.S. Consulate during your appointment.
TCNs Who Are Not Eligible for Visa Issuance at These Posts
TCNs who have remained in the United States longer than the period authorized on their I-94 may not apply for their visas at these border posts and are required to apply at the U.S. Consulate in their home country.
In addition, following the events of September 11, 2001, some individuals may be precluded from applying at these posts based on their nationality. Specifically, individuals who are subject to the Department of State's special security screening may be required to apply for their visas elsewhere. Although this list is classified, it is believed that the twenty-day security clearance applies to the following countries: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, The United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Please note that some countries may be inaccurately listed or others inadvertently omitted. Individuals who wish to apply for their visas in Canada or Mexico are advised to schedule their appointments well in advance. If they are subject to the security clearance procedure, their appointments will be cancelled within five days, and they will be required to apply at a U.S. Consulate elsewhere.