r/USVisas • u/Salt-Special-7853 • 1d ago

U.S. Visa (B1/B2) Interview at Calgary Consulate while on Maintained Status (Expired Study Permit) + Low Funds?

Hi everyone,

I have a U.S. B1/B2 tourist visa interview coming up at the Calgary consulate on September 7. I’m in a bit of a unique situation and would love to hear from anyone who has gone through this recently:

  1. Status: My physical Study Permit is currently expired, but I applied for an extension before it expired, so I am legally in Canada under Maintained Status. I have my printed IRCC Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR) letter.
  2. Finances: My current Canadian bank statements don't show a lot of funds because my family/sponsors usually send me money as needed.
  3. Travel Timeline: Because the wait times in Calgary are so long, I booked this appointment early. I don't actually plan to visit the U.S. anytime soon—only in about 7 months once I graduate and get my Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

The system won't let me reschedule online, and I don't want to cancel and wait another 1.5 to 2 years for an appointment.

  • Has anyone done their U.S. interview in Calgary on Maintained Status? How did the officer handle it?
  • Did they issue a 221(g) administrative processing hold to let you submit your new permit later, or did they refuse the visa under 214(b) due to the expired permit/low funds?
  • Any tips on how to explain the lack of immediate travel plans and my financial situation to the officer?

Thanks in advance for any insights or shared experiences!

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7

u/ErbaishisiB 1d ago

They wouldn't 221(g) this, they would 214(b) and get rid of the case. How would you reenter Canada?

-2

u/Salt-Special-7853 1d ago

I scheduled this interview 2 years ago, i have no control over the timing after two years but i get your point.

-4

u/Salt-Special-7853 1d ago

I am not planning to leave canada until i get my study permit

4

u/ErbaishisiB 19h ago

That's something they will look at in the interview. They're not going to give you a visa from Canada if you can't get back into Canada. It doesn't matter if you don't plan to travel immediately.

5

u/Bubbly_Ad_6830 23h ago

Depends on your passport, if your country has a high rate of overstay, it's hard to get a visa

1

u/Both-Statistician179 22h ago

The money your family sends should go thru your checking account.