TOURISTS from Mexico,  Bermuda,  and Canada:  When is A Visa Required? Please see http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1260.html 

Canada

STUDENTS: Canadian Citizens do not need visas to study in the U.S. You do still need to obtain an I-20 (or DS-2019) Certificate of Eligibility from the school that you plan to attend.  

At the time you receive the I-20 (or DS-2019) you will be registered with SEVIS, the student tracking system. You will be assigned a SEVIS number, and be required to pay a registration fee. 

When you cross the border to study you will need to provide the Officer at the port of entry: 

• Proof of identity and citizenship (a Canadian passport for example) 
• The original I-20 (or DS-2019) certificate Acceptance letter from the school
• Proof that you have paid your SEVIS fee 
• Proof that you have the funds to pay for the school that you plan to attend 
• Proof of your ties to Canada

China

Our Chinese applicants can download information here:

• FAQ for Online DS-160 NonImmigrant Visa Electronic Application (Mandarin and English)  (http://photos.state.gov/libraries/china/201393/PDF/DS-160%20FAQ%20English.pdf)
• Instructions for Non-Immigrant Visa Interview (http://photos.state.gov/libraries/china/196482/PDF%20File/Updated%20English%20Instruction%20Feb%2012%202010.pdf)

After accessing the following links you can click on translation to read it in Mandarin:

• Rumors Regarding Visa Applications  http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/clarifyrumors.html
• Required Documents   http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/requireddocu.html

How to Make an Appointment:  

To make an appointment, first pay application fee, buy a pre-paid PIN card from China CITIC Bank or visit the Visa Information Call Center website to purchase a PIN number online.  PIN cards cost 54 RMB for 12 minutes of phone time or 36 RMB for 8 minutes.  Unused minutes may be used later or transferred to another party.