Every so often, Consulates change their administrative procedures for handling E-1 Trader and E-2 Investor Visas. Mission Canada recently announced certain changes, effective December 5th, 2017. Most notably, initial applications will be reviewed during a ten business day period, after which an interview may be scheduled. It is possible that this change may slow down the actual processing timeline, but time will tell.
Here’s the message from Mission Canada:
We are pleased to inform you that our unit has implemented a new, streamlined E-visa application process for first time E visa applicants and applicants renewing their E visas. Our new online appointment system, processing change will allow us to receive and review E-visa applications before the applicant schedules an in-person interview (as opposed to the old system, which permitted applicants to schedule an appointment before submitting an application or supporting documentation). We anticipate that the new system will speed up processing time and help us provide better customer service to you and your clients.
Under the new system, E-visa applications will be sorted into two processing streams based on the time needed to review the required documentation.
• New Cases and Renewals – First-time applicants and those wishing to renew the registration status of their E-visa company will be offered a “deferred interview” appointment. While applicants will still need to first create an appointment profile and pay the required visa application fee online at https://ais.usvisa-info.com, the interview will be deferred until applicants have electronically submitted their application and supporting documents to the U.S. Consulate in Toronto via evisacanada@state.gov. Once their application has been reviewed, which requires at least 10 business days, we will send applicants instructions on how to make an appointment for an in-person interview. Applicants will be unable to schedule an appointment until then. Only applications in the queue for “New Cases and Renewals” will be considered for company registration or re-registration.
• Employees of Registered Companies and Dependents – Employees of currently registered E-visa companies, and qualifying family members of current E-visa holders, may schedule the next available appointment in Calgary, Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver or Toronto.
For more information please visit our website listed below:
https://ca.usembassy.gov/visas/treaty-trader-and-investor-visas/