If you are a student studying in Canada (on a valid student visa), and wish to visit the US, I have good and bad news for you.
Canada is one of the many countries that are on the US visa waiver program, meaning you don’t need a visa to visit the US from Canada but this is only for Canadian citizens.
If you are a temporary or permanent resident of Canada, you need a visa to visit the US.
Your Canadian student visa is a travel document but it only allows you to enter Canada for academic purposes, it is not necessarily a document you need to travel to other countries.
Your student visa’s validity starts and ends in Canada however, you can still visit any country of your choice while on a student visa in Canada.
Can I visit the USA with a Canadian student visa?
No, you cannot visit the US with your Canadian student visa, your Canadian student visa allows you to enter Canada for academic purposes, but it is not a valid document to travel to the United States, if you wish to travel to the US while studying in Canada, you need to obtain a US tourist visa.
If you are not from a country that is visa-free to the US and you are not travelling with your original home country passport, you need to get the necessary visa before you will be allowed into the country as a student in Canada.
You are only allowed to travel to the US as a student in a Canadian institution if you are a Canadian citizen studying in Canada (Canadians can travel to the US without a visa for certain purposes) or you are from a country that is among the US visa waiver program and wish to travel to the US with your original home country passport, except under these conditions, you need to obtain a US visa and other necessary documents.
How you can visit the US while studying in Canada on a Canadian study visa
If you wish to visit the US as a student in Canada on a valid student visa, follow the guide below:
Ensure that your Canadian study visa is valid and that you comply with all its conditions and make sure your passport is also up-to-date.
Unless you are from a country that is visa-free from the United States, you need a visa and you also need to know which type of visitor visa is appropriate for your visit.
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Research US entry requirements
To visit the US, you need to understand the entry requirements for visitors to the United States.
You can visit the official website of the U.S. Department of State to know all the visitor visa requirements based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.
In addition, you need to determine the appropriate visa category based on the purpose of your visit, such as a tourist visa (B-2) or a student visa (F-1).
Once you are ready to visit, apply for a visa.
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Apply for a US visa (if required)
a. To apply for a US visitor visa, Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form online.
b. Pay the visa application fee.
c. Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
d. Attend the visa interview with all required documents, including your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, photograph, and any additional documents specific to your visa category.
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Visa decision
If you meet all the requirements and submit a complete visa application, your visa will be approved and you will have permission to enter the US for tourism purposes.
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Plan your itinerary
Decide on the cities or destinations you wish to visit in the United States.
Check attractions, accommodations, transportation options, and any special events or festivals happening during your visit that you may want to witness.
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Book transportation and accommodation
Arrange transportation to and within the United States, whether by air, train, bus, or car rental.
Book accommodation in advance to secure lodging during your visit.
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Pack your essentials
Pack your passport, US visa (if applicable), Canadian study visa, travel itinerary, travel insurance documents, and any prescription medications or important belongings you may need during your trip.
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Enjoy your trip
Once you’ve completed all the necessary preparations, you can visit the US from Canada.
While in the United States, make sure to comply with all immigration regulations and laws.
Be mindful of your visa validity, duration of stay, and any specific conditions attached to your entry into the country.
Can an international student studying in Canada travel to the USA without a visa?
Do I need to apply for a visa to visit the US if I live in Canada on a student visa?
Can a Canadian student visa holder visit the USA?
Yes, if you are studying in Canada and hold a valid student visa, you can visit the US from Canada but you need more than just your Canadian student visa, you need to meet other travel requirements and obtain a US visa.
Your Canadian student visa is only valid in Canada and simply allows you to enter Canada for study purposes, it is not enough travel documents to enter the US.
If you’re a student in Canada and want to go to the US, you can’t use your Canadian student visa or temporary resident visa. You’ll need to get a separate visa just for the US.
Can a Canadian temporary resident visa holder visit the USA?
Will you be able to travel outside Canada to the US if you have a student permit?
What happens if you overstay your Canadian student visa and try to enter the United States with a temporary visitor status?
If you know what is good for you, avoid overstaying your Canadian student visa in any way, and do not try to be wiser than Solomon, you will land in trouble in no time.
Not just your Canadian student visa, avoid overstaying any visa, it is wrong, if you are caught, you will be asked to leave Canada instantly and if you fail to leave, you will be arrested and deported back to your home country.
Here is the thing, once you overstay your visa in Canada, the US won’t be ready to welcome you, they will be more ready to ban you from ever entering the country than welcome you into the country.
Always obey your visa rules and ensure you leave the country before the expiration of your visa.
Can Indian students in Canada travel to the USA?
Yes, Indian students in Canada can travel to the USA if they have the necessary US visa and meet other travel requirements.
Is it okay if I travel to the USA on a tourist visa, stay there for a while, and then fly to Canada with a first-time visa approval for a study permit?
No, it is not okay to travel to the USA on a tourist visa to then go to Canada for studies. You should apply for a study permit for Canada before travelling to either country.
If you are a student studying in Canada and you wish to visit the US, you need to apply for and get a visitor visa.
If you are from a country that is visa-free to the US, you can use your original home country passport to visit the US, in this case, you do not need a visa not because you hold a valid Canadian student visa but because you are from a country that is visa-free to the US.
Your Canadian student visa only allows you to enter Canada for academic purposes, it does not permit you to visit other countries of your choice.