Welcome to the Guberman // Appleby Immigration Update. We hope you find the information provided relevant to your immigration needs. Our objective is to highlight recent updates in immigration that are of interest to our readers. If you have questions about how these changes impact you, we invite you to contact our US immigration lawyers for tailored guidance.
Today’s topic:
Expedited US Visitor Visa Appointments in Canada
GD
Beginning on August 18, 2026, the US Department of State will offer expedited visitor (B1/B2) visa appointments in Canada. This is a pilot program through December 31, 2026 and remains subject to change. The B1/B2 visitor visa is the basic US visa required to enter the US for short-term business or pleasure trips. This includes tourism and business meetings.
Over the last year or longer, Canadian Permanent Residents and those in Canada on Work Permits and Study Permits have faced extremely lengthy waiting times for appointments at US Consulates across Canada or at the US Embassy in Ottawa. In many instances, it was taking well over one year, if not longer. According to the US Department of State, an expedited appointment guarantees a visa interview within 10 business days of filing a completed application. It does not guarantee issuance of a visa. The expedited appointment pilot program began earlier this year in Mexico; anecdotal reports indicate that it was very popular, with demand greatly exceeding the number of available appointments.
The expedited US Visitor Visa option is different from the existing emergency appointment option. Currently, to get a faster appointment, the applicant must prove exceptional circumstances, such as death or grave illness of a relative or urgent business needs. With the new expedited appointment option, anyone can get a faster appointment if they are willing to pay the fee (and if expedited appointments are available). The expedite fee of $750 USD is in addition to the regular visa fees.
Most Canadians do not need a formal visa to enter the US as a visitor. However, for those that do and for the many residents of Canada who are not citizens, the wait times for a US visitor visa appointments of well over a year have proven frustrating and challenging. With over 8 million Permanent Residents in Canada and a combined total of more than 2 million Work Permit and Study Permit holders, the demand for B1/B2 appointments in Canada is very high. Wait times for B1/B2 appointments in Canada are currently the longest in the world according to the US Department of State’s Global Visa Wait Times.
This is a pilot program, and we don’t know how many expedited appointments will be available. Also, it is important to note that expedited appointments CANNOT be rescheduled, and if you do not attend, you will forfeit the $750 fee. This program only applies to B1/B2 visitor visas, not other categories like student or work visas.
Alternatively, for Canadian Permanent Residents who are citizens of certain countries and are travelling to the US for B1/B2 purposes for less than 90 days, the Visa Waiver Program (also called ESTA) allows travelers to complete a brief online application and travel without a formal visa appointment.
We welcome you to contact us directly to discuss the above. Please contact one of our Toronto immigration lawyers, by reaching out to our general line 416 548 7100 or via email info@gaimmlaw.com. Our immigration lawyers are always available to discuss any of your specific Canadian or US immigration queries either virtually or in person. We look forward to hearing from you.
