Visit US for Conference after F1 Visa

Visit US for Conference after F1 Visa - Serious diverse couple searching way on map

I left the US on 9/1 while on OPT (I only planned on working for 8 months since I got accepted to a Canadian MA program). I am originally from Germany and I was in the US for 6 years before that (never left the country). There is a conference I would like to attend in Boston (I did my undergrad in NY) in November, and I can show that I am a student in Canada, I have an apartment, etc.

Do you think there will be any issues at the border (land crossing)? I know it all depends on the officer, but just wanted to get some opinions. Thank you!



Best Answer

You are a German citizen, lawfully living in Canada whilst attending a university course. Assuming you never overstayed your visa in the US, I am pretty sure you can enter USA on the Visa Waiver Program as a German Citizen. Since you are entering by land, you will have to fill in the I-94W form, and cannot apply for an ESTA for this trip:

If you are a citizen of a country that participates in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), and you enter the U.S. by land from Mexico or Canada, you are only required to complete the paper I-94W form at the land border crossing. ESTA is currently required for air and cruise ship travel only.

Bring all the supporting information you can use to demonstrate that you are lawfully residing in canada and are genuinely travelling to the US for the sole purpose of attending the conference. This includes, and is not limited to:

  • proof of studies in Canada
  • proof of accommodation both in Canada and US for the duration of your visit
  • proof of funds
  • proof of onward travel
  • proof that you are attending the conference



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Can I enter the United States on my F1 visa after the date of study listed on my I-20?

New Students \u2013 Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.

When can we enter US after getting F1 visa?

You may enter the U.S. in initial F-1 or J-1 status (meaning you are a new international student, not a SEVIS transfer student) up to 30 days before the program start date on your I-20 or DS-2019.

Do you need a visa to attend a conference in the US?

A foreign national traveling to the United States to conduct temporary business needs a visitor visa (B-1) unless qualifying for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. Examples of temporary business include: Attending business meetings or consultations. Attending a business convention or conference.

Can I get a visa for a is conference?

If you have a valid passport and have an invitation to attain any conference/seminar in other countries then you are eligible to apply for it with valid documents. People who visit to attain any business or academic conferences must get a conference visa.



How He Got His F1 VISA Approved In a Different Country 🇬🇭🇨🇮




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