Resources for Safe Travels
Foreign Consulates in the U.S.
Department of State Travel Advisories
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Information for International Students and Scholars
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Canada?
Believe it or not, many people forget that Canada is a foreign country and not just another U.S. state. If you are planning a trip to Canada, check to see if you need a visa before you start packing your suitcase.
Can I Apply Online?
Find out if you are eligible to apply online for a Canadian Visa. Complete the questionnaire, and at the end if you are eligible, you will be given a code to start your online application.
How to Apply for a Canadian Visa with a Paper Application?
Use the forms below to help you apply for a Canadian Visa using the paper application.
Save the PDF file below to your computer to get access to the Application Materials.
For current information and instructions, please refer to the visitor visa section on the Canadian Consulate's website.
Has your F-1 visa expired? If you are thinking about renewing your visa in either Canada or Mexico, then you must plan very carefully. Note that certain individuals are not eligible to apply for visas as Third Country Nationals. You must read the U.S. Government’s travel website carefully to see if you qualify.
Some considerations to think about if you plan to apply to renew your F-1 visa in either Canada or Mexico:
- You may need to obtain a Visitor Visa prior to traveling to Canada or Mexico.
- Depending on your field of study, you may be subject to a long period of Administrative Review (background check) and you may have to stay for 1 month or more in one of these countries.
- If you are refused a new F-1 visa, you will be required to return to your home country directly to try to apply for the F-1 visa again. You must be prepared for this possibility.
We recommend that you make an appointment with an OISS Advisor to discuss your travel plans in detail. We can help you evaluate your options before you make your decision.
Do you need a travel signature?
If you are traveling outside of the United States, you need a valid travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019.
- Travel signatures are valid for 1 year for most countries
- Traveling to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean Islands requires a signature that is less than 6 months old
- Check your documents for your travel signature:
- For I-20s, the travel signature is on Page 2
- For DS-2019s, the travel signature is on Page 1
How do I request a travel signature?
- Login to eOISS
- Click on the blue button: “YES - I have a myUNH Account”
- Enter your myUNH username and password and click “Login”
- Click on the left side: “International Office"
- Click on: “Travel Signature Request”
- Complete the eForm and submit it
- After you complete the eForm, bring your I-20 or DS-2019 to OISS. You will be contacted (usually 1-2 days) once your form has been signed for travel.
- Once you receive your email that the travel signature is complete, come to OISS to pick up your I-20 or DS-2019
Do you need to renew your visa?
What to do before you leave UNH:
- Get an official copy of your transcript (your record of courses and grades)
- Get a travel signature on your I-20 or DS-2019 from OISS
- Get certification letter from OISS for visa renewal
- Make a visa appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country
