F-1 grad student living in Canada, attending wedding in US -- ESTA?

[knittingmoon 0]

Hello all, 

 

this might be a silly question, apologies if so. But my situation is the following: I'm a PhD student at a US school, fully enrolled, but finishing my dissertation remotely in Canada, where I recently became a permanent resident (married to a Canadian, am citizen of a Scandinavian country). I will defend my dissertation in December. I have a valid I-20 until December 31st. 

 

Now, I need to attend a friend's wedding in October, in a another US city than my university. So, at that time, I won't really be entering the US as a student but instead a tourist of sorts, but I am a full-time student at a US school. Will this seem odd at the border? Should I actually be trying to get an ESTA? Obviously, when I go to defend in December, I will enter as a student and stay for about a week (and then depart, have no intention of trying to work/live in the US). 

 

Any advice/ reassurance that this is not an issue appreciated. 

Edited September 18, 2018 by knittingmoon
Details

[Boiler 45,417]

Use the VWP. You may or may not need ESTA.

[knittingmoon 0]

2 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Use the VWP. You may or may not need ESTA.

I just looked that up, and it seems they are linked. Ok. So there's no issue having a valid F-1 and also applying for VWP? Just want to make sure I am doing this totally by the book as I have a lot of terrified respect for CBP...

[Boiler 45,417]

ESTA is only needed if you are entering by Air, no harm getting one.

[knittingmoon 0]

Am entering by air, so will need one. 

Thank you!