Travelling Outside of Canada

The peace arch on the Canadian-American border

If you are from a visa-required country and wish to travel outside Canada to another country, you will need a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) in addition to your valid temporary resident status document (e.g., study or work permit) to re-enter Canada.

If you are from a visa-exempt country, you will need a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to re-enter Canada.

Entry to the United States of America

If you wish to visit the United States, you may require a US Visitor Visa. However, citizens of certain countries may be able to travel without a visa on the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if they intend to visit the United States for less than 90 days and meet other certain conditions. Complete information and application forms for US Visitor Visas are available online or by calling 403-800-1194.

All persons (including international students residing in Canada) who wish to apply for a US Visitor Visa must attend an in-person appointment at the US consulate. Call 1-703-439-2319 (if you are in Canada but outside of Calgary) or visit the US Visa Service website to book an appointment.

The nearest US Visa Office is the United States Consulate General in Calgary.

United States Consulate General
10th Floor 615 Macleod Trail S.E.
Calgary, Alberta T2G 4T8
Phone 403-266-8962
1-900-451-2778 (note: this is not a toll-free number)
https://ca.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/calgary/

It is recommended that you book your appointment 2 months or more in advance of your intended travel date.

Graduate students who may need to attend scientific conferences in the US are advised to apply for their visas as early as possible and be prepared to provide a CV/resume, list of publications and invitation letter/conference confirmation.

Visit the US Embassy's website for more detailed information about applying for a US visa.

NOTE: International Student Specialists at the University of Alberta are not authorized to provide US immigration advice. 

As per Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations Section 190(3)(f), you do not need a valid Canadian TRV to re-enter Canada after a visit solely to the United States of America if: 

  • Have a valid study permit or work permit, or visitor status in Canada, and
  • Return to Canada by the end of the authorized period of your stay in Canada.