Applying for a Visa at a Border Post for Third Country Nationals Present in the United States

APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED

After May 1, 1996, any third country national (TCN) present in the United States must make an appointment for an interview in order to apply for a non-immigrant visa at any U.S. border post in Canada or Mexico. This includes Halifax, Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary, Vancouver, Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, and Matamoros.

If you are in the United States and wish to schedule an appointment, you should call 1-900-443-3131. If you are in Canada, you should call 1-900-451-2778. Callers from the United States or Canada wishing to charge the cost of the call to a credit card may schedule an appointment by calling 1-888-840-0032. Unlike the 1-900 numbers which are blocked from most hotel, office, or pay telephones, the credit card line can be accessed from virtually any telephone. Please note that the appointment system requires a touch-tone phone.

After your appointment is scheduled, you will be mailed an application form (OF-156) and an information sheet for the post where you will be applying. Please DO NOT call an individual post directly to request an appointment. Appointments can only be scheduled by calling one of the appropriate 1-900 or 1-888 telephone numbers listed above.

Appointments by Internet

Applicants can also book appointments via the Internet at http://www.nvars.com. Each appointment costs $30 Canadian, which will be charged to a major credit card. Applicants are advised to have their credit card information handy.

After your appointment is scheduled, you will be mailed an application form (OF-156) and an information sheet for the post where you will be applying. Please DO NOT call an individual post directly to request an appointment. They can only be scheduled by calling the appropriate 1-900 or 1-888 telephone number or by using the internet.

Applicants who are unable to attend their scheduled appointments must cancel them two full working days in adcance by calling toll-free 1-888-611-6676.

Please note that certain nationalities require visas from Canadian authorities in order to enter Canada.

BE AWARE

Anyone can request an appointment at a border post, but would-be applicants should be aware that certain types of TCN applicants may be more likely to encounter difficulties at the time of the interview when they apply for a visa outside of their home district. None of the participating posts will accept applications from TCN "E" visa applicants who are not resident in their consular districts.

Furthermore, consular officers at border posts will refuse applications under Section 221(g) of the Immigration & Nationality Act whenever they believe there are fraud indicators present, or their lack of knowledge of local conditions and familiarity with documents in the third country prevents them from properly adjudicating the case. Applicants should also keep in mind that if they are out of status (i.e., illegal in the United States), they will be denied readmission to the United States if they are refused a visa at one of the border posts.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information, you can go to the Department of State Internet site on this issue by clicking HERE.

If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact a staff member in the Office of International Student, Faculty, & Staff Services at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions.