The tightening post-9/11 U.S. border-security clampdown will present further restrictions on Canadians intending to enter the United States. Beginning March 17, 2003, Canadian landed residents from most Commonwealth countries, will require visitors visas to enter the United States.
Previously, permanent residents of Canada were covered under the passport and visa exemption provisions under US legislation and could freely travel to the U.S. from Canada with only passports from their country along with their Canadian Record of Landing document. The new visa requirement reflects a continuing overhaul and harmonization with Canada, of security measures that safeguard the United States.
Citizens from the list of countries referenced in the Country List “A”, (below) are required to file an application with a U.S. consulate along with a non-refundable $100 filing fee. First time applicants with the exception of children under 16, adults over 60 and persons with diplomatic status, will likely be required to attend a personal interview. The visa once issued, will be valid for a period of five to ten years.
Landed immigrants in Canada holding passports from Country List “B”, do not require visas to travel to the United States, because their countries of origin have reciprocal visa-waiver agreements with the U.S.
Country List “A” (Visitor Visa Required)
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belize
Botswana
Cameroon
Cyprus
Dominica
Fiji
Gambia
Ghana
Grenada
Guyana
India
Jamaica
Kenya
Kiribati
Lesotho
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Malta
Mauritius
Mozambique
Namibia
Nauru
Nigeria
Pakistan
Papua New Guinea
Samoa
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Swaziland
Tanzania
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tuvalu
Uganda
Vanuatu
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Country List “B” (Visitor Visa Not Required)
Andorra
Austria
Australia
Belgium
Brunei
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Great Britain and its possessions
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Monaco
The Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Portugal
San Marino
Singapore
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Uruguay