What Do I Need to Do in Order to Enter Canada?

It is very common for students traveling into Canada, especially those driving, to simply "cross the border" without giving thought to what might be required by the Canadian Government for entering as a visitor. Citizens from, certain countries who wish to visit Canada are required to obtain a visitor's visa (tourist visa) from the Canadian Consulate General in Los Angeles: Immigration Section, Canadian Consulate General, 550 South Hope Street, 9 Floor, Los Angeles CA, 90071 Telephone (213) 346-2700, fax (213) 620827. Citizens of certain counties such as Australia, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Israel, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore, United Kingdom and Venezuela are likely to be exempt from the visa requirement, but to be certain, contact the Consulate in Los Angeles. The Consulate in San Francisco does not process visa requests for entering Canada, you should send your visa request to the Consulate in Los Angeles. The San Francisco Consulate does offer a special "800 number" for the province that you might visa (i.e. for tourist information for Ontario you may call 10068-2746 or visit the web is at www.travelinx.com).

What Does the USCIS Require for Re-Entering the U.S.

Those F-1 nonimmigrant students who visit Canada for less than 30 days, who have maintained a lawful non-immigrant status in the U.S. and intend to resume that status upon their return must have the following: (1) a valid passport, (2) a new or properly endorsed valid I-20 (for F-1 visa holders) (3) and a valid Form I-94 (white card usually stapled to the passport, known as the travel/departure record"). NOTE: a valid F-1 visa stamp in the passport is not required if you are traveling solely to Canada and the travel period does not exceed 30 days. DO NOT surrender your unexpired Form I-94, since you would be expected to have a valid visa stamp in your passport. Currently this automatic visa revalidation" is not applicable to nationals of Iran, Iraq, and Libya.

Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens do not need to obtain a visa in order to enter the U.S. They should, however, be sure to obtain (retain) Form I-94 with F-1: D/S notation at the border and carry all of the other appropriate documents with them. Valid passport required to facilitate other services or benefits they may later request (drivers license, work permit).

Note: It is strongly advised that F-1 visa holders carry evidence of financial support, since USCIS/Customs officials may ask to see support for the duration of status."