Do I need a B-2 Tourist VIsa?

[Stephen_MD 0]

Hi Guys, I'm about a month away from my departure date and I'm now a little confused which process I need to pursue.

I'm a Canadian Permanent Resident with no other citizenships or VISAs. I would like to go to San Francisco, California (USA) for a few months - up to but not beyond 6 months. At first I was under the impression that I could simply fly to San Francisco using the WHTI. I went for a week a few months ago and it didn't require any strenuous paperwork or interviews except for some simple questions at the airport.

What process is right for me? Will I need to fill out a DS-160, pay a fee, schedule an appointment for interview, etc?

Thanks - I really appreciate the help.

Edited August 12, 2012 by Stephen_MD

[aaron2020 11,651]

You are a Canadian LPR and not a Canadian citizen, correct?

If you are not a Canadian citizen, then you must meet the criteria for the citizenship you do have.

What passport do you hold? What country were you born in and from where did you immigrate to Canada from?

Edited August 12, 2012 by aaron2020

[Stephen_MD 0]

You are a Canadian LPR and not a Canadian citizen, correct?

If you are not a Canadian citizen, then you must meet the criteria for the citizenship you do have.

What passport do you hold? What country were you born in and from where did you immigrate to Canada from?

Sorry - yes. I am a Canadian Citizen. I've been reading too many forms over the last two days.

As a result my Passport is Canadian, I was born in Canada.

[Que Saudade 284]

Sorry - yes. I am a Canadian Citizen. I've been reading too many forms over the last two days.

As a result my Passport is Canadian, I was born in Canada.

You will have the same process as before. You probably will be asked same questions again. If questioned, they probably will question you as to why you are staying so long. As long as you have a valid reason for the length of stay.

You say a few months, but then you also say up to 6 months. That is more than a few months. This may raise more questions. Be prepared to answer....

[Cesar & Cata 35]

Hi Guys, I'm about a month away from my departure date and I'm now a little confused which process I need to pursue.

I'm a Canadian Permanent Resident with no other citizenships or VISAs. I would like to go to San Francisco, California (USA) for a few months - up to but not beyond 6 months. At first I was under the impression that I could simply fly to San Francisco using the WHTI. I went for a week a few months ago and it didn't require any strenuous paperwork or interviews except for some simple questions at the airport.

What process is right for me? Will I need to fill out a DS-160, pay a fee, schedule an appointment for interview, etc?

Thanks - I really appreciate the help.

If you plan on working in the US during this stay the tourist visa is NOT what you should use since working on a tourist visa is not allowed.

[Stephen_MD 0]

If you plan on working in the US during this stay the tourist visa is NOT what you should use since working on a tourist visa is not allowed.

I will not be working while I am in the USA - although I may keep a eye out for jobs. If I do find a job I am interested in I am going to speak to the employer and arrange for a TN-1 VISA application, which of course will require I leave the US and resubmit an application for a TN-1 at the border.

The approximate 6 months will be purely vacation, although I will be keeping an eye out for job opportunities.

[Que Saudade 284]

The approximate 6 months will be purely vacation, although I will be keeping an eye out for job opportunities.

As I mentioned, just be prepared to answer why so long. CBP officers have seen and heard it all before. Not many people can afford a 6 month vacation.

[Stephen_MD 0]

As I mentioned, just be prepared to answer why so long. CBP officers have seen and heard it all before. Not many people can afford a 6 month vacation.

Thanks a bunch, I really appreciate the help. What's the purpose of the B-2... for citizens of countries not listed on the WHTI?

[Que Saudade 284]

Thanks a bunch, I really appreciate the help. What's the purpose of the B-2... for citizens of countries not listed on the WHTI?

Read here

[Stephen_MD 0]

Read here

That's actually why I was confused to begin with. It clearly states that "Canada" is part of that waiver program however it does not list Canada as one of the thirty six countries participating in the VWP.

edit: Actually, this clears it up a little... I can't believe I did not find it earlier. But I'm still left wondering - will this allow me to vacation in the US for 3-6 months?

Edited August 12, 2012 by Stephen_MD

[Que Saudade 284]

That's actually why I was confused to begin with. It clearly states that "Canada" is part of that waiver program however it does not list Canada as one of the thirty six countries participating in the VWP.

It is a different program for Canadian citizens.

Look at this

[Stephen_MD 0]

It is a different program for Canadian citizens.

Look at this

Thanks again - I spoke with an old neighbour who goes to the US from Canada every year to avoid our nasty winters. In her experience she doesn't have to do any special paperwork or anything. Just answer some easy questions at the airport... just like you said. This is all a huge relief, I was worried I would need to do some complicated process which would delay me. I really appreciate the help

Edited August 12, 2012 by Stephen_MD

[Que Saudade 284]

Enjoy your trip