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🇨🇦 US Department of State TCN Visa Policy – Updated July 15, 2026

US Visa Stamping in Canada – TCN Policy Update July 2026

POLICY CHANGE (July 15, 2026): The US Department of State updated its policy on third-country national (TCN) visa applications. Nonimmigrant visa applicants are now generally expected to schedule appointments in their country of nationality or residence. TCN stamping in Canada may have limited availability subject to exceptions. Verify current appointment availability directly with the US Embassy/Consulate.

1. US Visa Stamping in Canada – Major Policy Change July 15, 2026

Effective July 15, 2026, the US Department of State changed its policy for nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants. Applicants are now generally expected to schedule their visa interview appointments in their country of nationality or country of residence. This significantly affects Third Country Nationals (TCNs) who previously routinely scheduled US visa interviews at US Consulates in Canada. TCN availability at Canadian posts may be limited and subject to exceptions.

Key Policy Highlights & Benchmarks

  • MAJOR POLICY CHANGE (July 15, 2026): The US Department of State policy now states that NIV applicants should generally schedule in their country of nationality or principal residence. TCN appointments in Canada are subject to exceptions and limited availability.
  • Verify Current Appointment Availability: The previous guidance of '7 Canadian locations accept TCNs' and '6–12 month booking windows' may no longer reflect current reality. Always check the US Embassy in Canada website for current TCN appointment availability.
  • Form DS-160 Requirement: If TCN appointments remain available, complete a separate DS-160 online application for your target Canadian consulate location.
  • Administrative Processing 221(g) Risk: If your application is placed in 221(g) Administrative Processing, you CANNOT re-enter the US until stamping is completed.

Mandatory Action Checklist

✓Check the US Embassy/Consulate in Canada website for current TCN appointment availability (post-July 15, 2026 policy)
✓If eligible for a TCN exception: Complete Form DS-160 specifying target US consulate city in Canada
✓Pay MRV fee and schedule appointment only if TCN slots are available for your visa category
✓Ensure you hold a valid Canadian visa/eTA to travel to Canada for the interview

2. US Consulates in Canada – TCN Availability Subject to July 2026 Policy Change

The following consulates have historically processed TCN applications. As of July 15, 2026, TCN availability is subject to updated US Department of State policy. Verify current status directly with each consulate.

US Consulate LocationProvinceTCN Acceptance StatusAverage Wait Time Tier
US Consulate General TorontoOntarioHistorically accepted TCNs – verify current status post-July 2026 policyVerify current wait times on ca.usembassy.gov
US Consulate General VancouverBritish ColumbiaHistorically accepted TCNs – verify current status post-July 2026 policyVerify current wait times on ca.usembassy.gov
US Consulate General CalgaryAlbertaHistorically accepted TCNs – verify current status post-July 2026 policyVerify current wait times on ca.usembassy.gov
US Embassy OttawaOntarioHistorically accepted TCNs – verify current status post-July 2026 policyVerify current wait times on ca.usembassy.gov

3. Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR) & 221(g) Processing

Navigating border re-entry rules.

Key Policy Highlights & Benchmarks

  • Automatic Visa Revalidation (AVR 22 CFR 41.112): Allows US visa holders to visit Canada for under 30 days and return to the US on an expired visa stamp IF they DO NOT apply for a new visa while in Canada
  • AVR Voided Upon Application: The moment you attend a US visa interview in Canada, AVR is VOIDED; you cannot return to the US if your visa is pending or refused
  • Passport Courier Pickup (Loomis Express): Passports with printed US visa stamps are delivered via Loomis Express courier in Canada within 3 to 7 business days
  • Emergency Expedited Appointments: Expedited appointments are granted for urgent business travel, medical emergencies, or student start dates

4. Step-by-Step US Stamping Roadmap

Stamping your US visa in Canada.

Mandatory Action Checklist

✓Submit DS-160 and pay MRV fee
✓Attend interview at US Consulate in Canada
✓Collect passport from Loomis Express courier
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

As of July 15, 2026, US Department of State policy changed: NIV applicants should generally schedule in their country of nationality or residence. TCN appointments in Canada may still be available in limited circumstances with exceptions. Check ca.usembassy.gov for current TCN appointment availability before planning your travel.

AVR is immediately VOIDED; you cannot return to the US on an expired visa once you apply for a new visa.

Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Quebec City, and Halifax have historically processed TCN visas. However, following the July 15, 2026 US State Department policy change, TCN availability at these locations may be limited. Verify current availability at ca.usembassy.gov.

Via Loomis Express courier pickup or home delivery within 3 to 7 business days.

$205 USD.

No. You must hold a valid Canadian Visitor Visa (TRV) or eTA to legally enter Canada for your interview.

Official Government Sources & Authorities

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US Stamping Metrics

Target Applicants
Third Country Nationals (TCN - H-1B/L-1)
TCN Policy (July 15, 2026)
Schedule in Country of Nationality/Residence; Limited TCN Exceptions
MRV Application Fee
$205 USD (H-1B/L-1 Fee)
Appointment Portal
US Official AIS Visa Scheduling System

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