U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Canada

International parental child abduction is the removal or retention of a child outside their country of habitual residence in breach of another parent or guardian’s custody rights.

One of the highest priorities of the Department of State and U.S. embassies and consulates abroad is to provide assistance to U.S. citizens incarcerated abroad. The Department of State is committed to ensuring fair and humane treatment for U.S. citizens imprisoned overseas. We stand ready to assist incarcerated citizens and their families within the limits of our authority in accordance with international, domestic, and foreign law.

U.S. consular officers, in certain situations, can assist U.S. citizens abroad who are temporarily destitute because of unforeseen circumstances. U.S. citizens in Canada who find themselves in these circumstances should contact the nearest embassy or consulate, or the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747 (or from overseas at +1 202-501-4444).

When an U.S. citizen dies abroad, the Bureau of Consular Affairs assists the family and friends. The Bureau of Consular Affairs attempts to locate and inform the next-of-kin of the U.S. citizen’s death. The Bureau of Consular Affairs provides information on how to make arrangements for local burial or return of the remains to the United States. The disposition of remains is subject to U.S. and local (foreign) law, U.S. and foreign customs requirements, and the foreign country facilities, which are often vastly different from those in the United States.

If you have never met the person you are trying to help it is likely you have been targeted by a scammer. We know this is difficult to believe but it is incredibly common. We receive emails and calls every day from well-meaning individuals who are unaware that they have been targeted by fraudsters. Not everyone is kind and genuine.

When a U.S. citizen is the victim of a crime overseas, he or she may suffer from physical, emotional or financial injuries.

Please note: The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the entities or individuals whose names appear on the following lists. Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsement by the Department or the U.S. government. Names are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance. The information on the list is provided directly by the local service providers; the Department is not in a position to vouch for such information.

Please note: The Department of State assumes no responsibility or liability for the professional ability or reputation of, or the quality of services provided by, the entities or individuals whose names appear on the following lists. Inclusion on this list is in no way an endorsement by the Department or the U.S. government. Names are listed alphabetically, and the order in which they appear has no other significance. The information on the list is provided directly by the local service providers; the Department is not in a position to vouch for such information.

U.S. citizens applying for permanent residence and some other services in Canada may be required to furnish FBI and local police certificates from the United States. These police certificates usually require fingerprinting. To learn more about how to obtain the records needed, please visit the link below.

U.S. citizens applying for permanent residence and some other services in Canada may be required to furnish FBI and local police certificates from the United States. These police certificates usually require fingerprinting. To learn more about how to obtain the records needed, please visit:

In order to redeem U.S. savings bonds in a foreign country, the registered owner’s signature on the bond must be verified by a United States diplomatic or consular officer at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The registered owner must submit the bond(s) and proper identification, including their Social Security Number and mailing address.

U.S. Citizens living or traveling outside of the U.S. are urged to register their travel plans with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This will allow the U.S. Embassy to notify U.S. citizens in the event of a disaster, emergency or other crisis; and to facilitate evacuation coordination.