US & Canada Visa Applications: Step-by-Step Process & Student Visa Guide (2026)
A 2026 step-by-step guide to the US visa application (DS-160, interview) and Canada visa application (online, biometrics) — fees, the student visa process, online steps and processing times.
Quick answer: A US visa application runs through the online DS-160 form, a US$185 fee, and an in-person interview at a US embassy or consulate; the biggest risk is convincing the officer you'll return home (Section 214(b)). A Canada visa application is online with biometrics and usually no interview: a visitor visa (TRV) costs CAD $100 plus CAD $85 biometrics. The US is interview-based; Canada is document-based.
This step-by-step guide applies to travelers of any nationality, and covers both the tourist and the student visa process.
General guidance only, not legal advice, and not a guarantee of approval. Always confirm the latest rules on the official government source.
US visa application: DS-160 steps and the interview
The US process for most travelers (tourism/business B1/B2 or student F1) centres on an interview.
- Complete the DS-160 online — you must review and sign it yourself.
- Pay the visa fee — the MRV fee is US$185. (A separate US$250 "Visa Integrity Fee" has been signed into law and will be charged at issuance once implemented; it is not yet being collected — check its status when you apply.)
- Book and attend the interview at the US embassy or consulate serving your area.
- Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, photo, appointment letter, proof of funds, and evidence of ties to your home country.
Section 214(b) is the key risk: refusal because the officer isn't satisfied you'll return. Strong, consistent documents and clear ties matter more than paperwork volume. A prior 214(b) isn't permanent — you can reapply when your circumstances or evidence are stronger.
The US student visa process (F1)
For an F1 student visa: receive your I-20 from a SEVP-approved school, pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160, pay the MRV fee, then attend the interview with your I-20, acceptance letter and proof you can fund tuition and living costs. This is the standard process for student visa applications to the US.
Canada visa application: online steps and biometrics
Canada's process is online and biometrics-based, usually with no interview. Common routes: the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV / visitor visa) and the study permit.
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (TRV) | CAD $100 |
| Biometrics | CAD $85 per person (max CAD $170/family) |
| Typical total | ~CAD $185 per person |
- Create an account and apply online to IRCC.
- Upload documents and pay the fees.
- Give biometrics at a visa application centre after you're invited.
- Wait for a decision and submit your passport for stamping if approved.
The Canada student visa process (study permit)
For a study permit: get a Letter of Acceptance from a designated learning institution, show you can cover tuition and living costs (and any required provincial attestation), apply online, then give biometrics. Canada recognizes "dual intent," but you still need genuine plans and ties.
A note on the eTA: the electronic Travel Authorization is only for visa-exempt air travelers. If your nationality isn't visa-exempt, you apply for the TRV, not an eTA.
Steps for an online visa application (works for both)
The general steps for an online visa application are the same across most modern systems:
- Pick the right visa type for your purpose (tourist, student, work, family).
- Create an account on the official government portal.
- Complete the form, keeping every detail identical to your documents.
- Pay the fee online.
- Upload supporting documents (or bring them to the interview/biometrics).
- Give biometrics or attend an interview if required.
- Track the decision and collect your passport/visa or electronic grant.
Always use the official government site — never a look-alike third-party domain.
US & Canada visa processing times
| Route | Typical processing time (2026) |
|---|---|
| US visa | Varies by location: interview wait can be days to months; visa often issued within a few working days after the interview (plus any administrative processing) |
| Canada visitor (TRV) | Highly variable by country — from ~9 days to 200+ days; IRCC publishes live times |
| Canada study permit | Varies by country; check the IRCC tool |
Because both vary widely by where you apply, always check the official live processing-time tool and apply early.
Frequently asked questions
What are the steps for an online visa application? Pick the visa type, create an account on the official portal, complete the form, pay the fee, upload documents, give biometrics or attend an interview if required, then track the decision.
Do I need an interview for a US or Canada visa? The US usually requires an in-person interview; Canada usually does not (it uses online submission plus biometrics).
What is the process for a student visa? Get your acceptance document (I-20 for the US, Letter of Acceptance for Canada), prove you can fund your studies, complete the online application and fee, then attend an interview (US) or give biometrics (Canada).
How much is a US visa application? The MRV fee is US$185. A US$250 Visa Integrity Fee will apply at issuance once implemented — confirm its status when you apply.
Start with our visa documentation checklist, compare UK & Schengen routes, then run a free VisaCheck check for the US or Canada.
Last updated 25 June 2026.