Beginning March 17, 2003, except as noted below, all landed immigrants in Canada seeking to enter the United States, as non-immigrants must possess a valid passport and non-immigrant visa in order to enter.

Please note that there is no change to the Visa Waiver Program in place for the countries in bold italics below or for any other countries participating in that program.

The new requirement will apply to citizens of the following countries who were formerly exempt from visa requirements:

1. Hong Kong nationals holding either British National Overseas or Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports will require visas. 2) The countries in bold italics participate in the Visa Waiver Program. Citizens of those countries are not required to possess visas if they are traveling for business or tourism and their stay will be less than 90 days.

Non-Commonwealth landed immigrants who are citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program are unaffected by this regulation change.

2. Effective immediately, U.S. consular sections in Canada will accept non-immigrant visa applications from landed immigrants residing in Canada who are citizens of the Commonwealth countries listed above and Ireland. Information about applying for non-immigrant visas, and all necessary application forms, can be found in our Do-it-Yourself Downloadable Business & Visitors Visa Package (B-1/B-2)

3. The following persons ONLY may apply for their visas by mail if they prefer (or diplomatic courier where available) to the addresses listed below (see item 3 for required fees, payment method and recommended documentation):

1. Applicants for A, G and NATO visas;
2. Bearers of diplomatic and official passports;
3. Applicants 16 years of age or younger;
4. Applicants 60 years of age or older.

4. Completed applications are to be submitted to the consular section with jurisdiction in the applicant's place of residence.