This will affect applicants for H, L, O and P visas. This process may take an additional 2 to 3 workdays, creating a minimum 4 workday turnaround for such applicants. This confirmation is beyond our control and cannot be waived. Any petition based, otherwise qualified NIV applicant should be prepared to wait 4 workdays in Canada to receive his or her visaed passport.
We are looking at ways to reduce the expected 4 workday turnaround. U.S. based non-immigrant visa applicants seeking to apply for an NIV are strongly advised to consider applying in their home country.
A personal appearance interview is required as a standard part of visa processing. Additionally, applicants affected by these procedures are informed of the need for additional screening at the time they submit their applications and are being advised to expect delays. The time needed for adjudication of individual cases will continue to be difficult to predict. For travelers, the need for an interview will mean additional coordination with the embassy or consulate is needed to schedule an interview appointment. We recommend that individuals build in ample time before their planned travel date when seeking to obtain a visa.
We recognize that these delays are having an impact on visa applicants, and we have already had success streamlining the process, consistent with our security and legal responsibilities. The State Department is working hard with other government agencies to rationalize clearance procedures in ways that continue to protect U.S. borders, our first priority, while facilitating legitimate travel.
We trust that affected applicants will understand that this waiting period is necessary as we strive to make every effort to ensure the safety and security of the United States for all who are here, including foreign visitors.
In many instances, where we can anticipate any kind of extended processing time, we attempt to contact applicants in advance of their visa interview to advise them of this possibility. However, sometimes the requirement for more extended processing of an application only becomes apparent in the course of the interview itself. Note that we are unable to conduct any type of processing in advance of the visa interview.
Passports and visas will be returned to the applicants with Canadian addresses by Canada Post, generally within three to five business days after the visa is approved. In person pick up will be available only in a legitimate emergency (as determined by the Consulate).
Applicants must go to a Canada Post office and buy an Express Regional mailer before coming to the consulate. These are not available at the Consulate. Approximate cost is CDN $7.
Each case is different, and only the interviewing officer can make the decision to give or refuse a visa. There is no way to predict ahead of time your chances of receiving a visa.
