Canadian Landed Immigrants Will Need Visas & Passports
Courtesy of AILA
Effective March 17, 2003, all Landed Immigrants of Canada (similar to U.S.
Permanent Residents) will be required to have a valid passport and appropriate
nonimmigrant visa in order to enter the U.S. Canadian citizens will remain
exempt from the passport and visa requirements.
In the past, Landed Immigrants of Canada who were also citizens of a British
Commonwealth nation were given the same exemption from the passport and visa
requirements afforded to Canadian citizens. These measures are being taken to
increase border security and do not affect Canadian citizens.
However, a citizen of a British Commonwealth country which is approved for the
Visa Waiver program (Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Singapore & the United
Kingdom) will remain eligible to enter as a visitor for business or pleasure
under the Visa Waiver program. The Visa Waiver program requires a valid
passport but does not require a visa in order to enter the US for a short visit
(up to 90 days).
All other Landed Immigrants of Canada will be required to apply for the
appropriate nonimmigrant visa at a US Consulate using the same application
procedures for non-Canadian nationals. Generally, among other things, the
applicant will have to present a passport valid for a period of 6 months beyond
the requested period of admission into the US, pay the visa processing fee of
$100, complete the forms DS-156 and, if a male applicant between 16 & 45 years
of age, the DS-157 and two photographs.
If you have any questions concerning the above, please
feel free to contact our office.
