I have a freind living in canada as a canadian permanant residence.  She is a
syrian citizen and wants to come visit us in USA.  Does she need a USA
visit visa?

Hi tarinajo,

Your friend will need a valid passport and a U.S. non-immigrant visa
to enter the U.S.  Since your friend is a third country national
(TCN), and Syria is considered a state which sponsors terrorism, your
friend may need to furnish supplemental information (form DS-157) and
appear for an interview.

"Permanent residents of Canada must have a nonimmigrant visa unless
the permanent resident is a national of a country that participates in
the visa waiver program (VWP)..."
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1759.html

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) - Participating Countries. [Syria is not listed]
http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1990.html#2

"Seven countries are now designated as state sponsors of terrorism.
They are North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Sudan, Iran, Iraq, and Libya."
Special Visa Processing Procedures:
"All applicants from state sponsors of terrorism age 16 and over,
irrespective of gender, must without exception complete form DS-157,
in addition to form DS-156, and must appear for an interview with a
consular officer."
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/without/without_1257.html

Form DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application
https://evisaforms.state.gov/ds156.asp?lang=1

Form DS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application
http://travel.state.gov/pdf/DS-0157.pdf

Section 306 of the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Reform Act of 2002
"Special Notice: Following 9/11 interviews and special processing
requirements are now required for nonimmigrant visa applicants. These
requirements may lead to a significant delay in visa issuance. Apply
well in advance of anticipated travel to the U.S."
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tcn.html

"However, non-citizen permanent residents of Canada (and their
children) as well as a list of other people ... do require a
non-immigrant visa to enter the United States."
 REQUIREMENTS FOR NON-IMMIGRANT VISITORS TO OBTAIN VISA TO ENTER THE UNITED STATES
All visitor visa applicants must have the following:
    *Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-156, completed and signed
    *Valid passport, must have at least 6 months remaining validity
    *Passport-type photograph (2 x 2 in.)
    *Evidence of funds to cover expenses in the United States
    *Evidence of compelling social and economic ties abroad
    *Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-157, for men
between 16-45 years of age, and for all applicants age 16 and over who
are from Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan and Syria. Note
that a consular officer may ask any applicant to complete this form"
http://www.traveldocs.com/us/vr.htm

I hope this helps. If you have any questions, please post a
clarification request and wait for me to respond before closing/rating
my answer.

Thank you,
hummer

Google Search Terms Used:

ds-156
ds-157
vpw visa
tcn visa
u.s. canada visitor's visa
u.s. nonimmigrant visa canada

This is a great, very easy to understand and to the point answer.  I
am very grateful for such a wonderful and quick response.  It is very
obvious that that the respondor has great knowledge in this area and
knows how to communicate in an very effective manner.  My thanks and
appreciation for sharing this knowledge.  THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

It seems from this site that your friend will require a visa.  Read
the info and then click on the first link at the bottom of the page
for details.

http://gocanada.about.com/cs/bordercrossing/a/prcards.htm

You might ask her if she is aware of the Permanent Resident Card
mentioned on the first page.

You are welcome, tarinajo, and likewise thank you for your nice note,
rating, and generous tip, all are appreciated. I'm not sure how much
"great knowledge" I possess (!) but I'm really happy to hear that I
was able to help.

Thanks also to myoarin-ga for bringing your question to my attention.

Sincerely,
hummer