When organizing a trip to another country, it is very important to know the visa requirements, especially if it is a country such as the United States of America or Canada. Both countries provide tourist visas. However, the procedures, demands, and overall processes of getting the visa can be quite different. This blog is an attempt to give Indian travelers a clear picture of the US and Canada tourist visa application process and their similarities and differences so that they can easily understand and simplify the process as much as possible.
Overview of US Tourist Visa (B1/B2)
The US Tourist Visa, also known as the B1/B2 visa, enables Indians to travel to the United States for business (B1) or leisure (B2) trips. This visa is crucial for anyone from India who is interested in traveling to the US or has a business meeting, conference, or family event to attend. The steps include completing the Canada visa application online form known as DS-160, paying the visa fees, and a face-to-face interview at the US Embassy or Consulate.
Overview of Canada Tourist Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV)
The Canada Tourist Visa, officially known as the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), will allow Indians to visit Canada for tourism, visiting relatives/friends, or for a business trip of a short duration. This visa is essential for Indians who wish to feel the spirit of Canada’s nature and cities or join their families. To apply for the visa, one must complete an online form, provide necessary documents, pay the cost of the visa, and give biometric data; an interview is not mandatory.
US Tourist Visa Application Process
The US appointment in India for a Tourist Visa to the US, also known as the B1/B2 Visa application process, is a number of steps. First, applicants must fill in the DS-160 form on the web, which addresses personal, travel, and background details. The second process is to attend an interview at the US Embassy or Consulate after the payment of a non-refundable visa fee. Candidates should bring all the documents to the interview, such as the passport, DS-160 confirmation page, receipt for the visa fee, and other documents like financial statements and travel itinerary. Decisions on the visa are made during the interview, and the visas are normally issued within several days.
Canada Tourist Visa Application Process
When applying for the Canada Tourist Visa (TRV), one has to start with the IRCC online account and the visa application form. The documents required include a valid passport, proof of funds, and travel details, and the applicants are supposed to pay the application fee. Applicants are also required to give their fingerprints, and a photograph at a biometric center after the application has been submitted. There is no interview as such, although there are normally very comprehensive reports on the candidate. After the application is complete, the visa decision is relayed online, and successful applicants are required to submit their passports for visa stamping.
US Visa Interview Process
The US Tourist Visa application entails an interview at the US Embassy or Consulate of the applicant. This interview is part of the application process where the consular officer will try to establish the applicant’s purpose, financial status, and strong connections to his/her home country in order to qualify for a visa. The result of the interview determines the visa decision, as most applicants are either given an instant or a subsequent decision after the interview.
Canada Visa Biometrics Process
Applicants for the Canada Tourist Visa are required to submit their biometrics, such as fingerprints and a photograph, at a biometric center. This process is a security measure, which helps to identify the applicant and to check him or her for any security threats. Unlike the US visa interview, Canada does not usually call for an interview, but rather, biometrics serves as an important factor in the application assessment. The biometrics submission is quite simple and usually given after the process of applying for the visa online.
US Visa Processing Time
The time taken to process a US Tourist Visa depends on the US Embassy or Consulate in which an applicant applies as well as the season. Normally, it takes a few days to a few weeks after the interview for the applicant to be informed of the decision. Indian applicants are generally approved with high percentages of approval, especially when all the documents are proper, and the applicant has a proven Indian connection.
Canada Visa Processing Time
The time taken to process a Canada Tourist Visa (TRV) varies from a few weeks to several months, depending on the number of applications received and the visa office in charge of the case. The time taken by the applicants to submit biometrics and the time taken to verify the documents are other considerations in the timeline. The approval rates are relatively high for Indians, especially when they have all the necessary documents and a genuine reason to visit the country.
US Tourist Visa Fees
The application fee for the US Tourist Visa (B1/B2) is $185, and it is not refundable. Other expenses may include transportation to the visa interview and any documents or translation services that may be needed. Applicants should also factor in costs that may arise from circumstances requiring further administrative procedures before the visa is granted.
Canada Tourist Visa Fees
The Canada Tourist Visa (TRV) is CAD $100 and there is another CAD $85 for the biometric fee. These fees are non-refundable. Applicants should also factor in other expenses, including fees for document preparation, transportation to biometric collection centers, and translation or notarization services.
Conclusion
The major differences between the US and Canada tourist visa processes are interviews and biometrics, the time taken to process the visas, and the fees charged. While the US process requires an interview, face-to-face, Canada relies heavily on biometrics but does not include an interview. While the US method seems to offer a quicker decision-making process, those who are interested in a more document-driven application may find the Canadian method easier.
It is vital for Indian travelers to have complete documentation and also to know the requirements of the respective countries. It is also advisable to seek advice from immigration professionals, particularly those who have previously worked with Indians.