mandymoochops

Hey y'all,

I have a question for you if that's OK.

There's a possiblilty that I might want to attend a course run by a decorative painter down in the states. (There is also a chance that he might come up to Canada to do it - so that would negate the issue - however on the offchance that he doesn't................).

Is this something that I would need a special visa for, because I don't feel like telling porkies at the border by saying "oh yeah sure I'm coming for a 5 day holiday to California all by meself and don't know a soul here". That doesn't really quite fly with me

civilservant

How long would the course run?

Pulaski

Does it lead to, or is it any part of a diploma, degree, or any other certificate? Or are you just going to be "visiting an artist in his studio"? .... If the latter, it sounds like something covered under the VWP/B1-B2 and not something for which a visa is required. Certainly a meeting with a business contact, or attending a training conference (both of which are things you could not pay a USC to do on your behalf), are acceptable under the VWP/ B1-B2.

Marocco

Are you a Canadian citizen?

S Folinsky

A key question which was the first thing in my mind. With the exception of "E" and "K" visas, Canadian citizens do not need a non-immigrant "visa" from a US Consulate to come to the U.S. Rather, admission requirements are taken care of at the Port of Entry or Pre-Flight Inspection.

Do note that this is NOT the same as the "visa waiver program."

Steve_

A part-time course of study like that is B-2, i.e. regular visitor. The example CBP use is a cooking course over the course of a week, so a painting course as part of a vacation is no problem.

mandymoochops

Thanks all. No I'm not a citizen but a PR. And the course is for 5 days Max for which I wouldn't get a qualification but just knowledge on a subject. Not an artist in a studio but a faux paint specialist which is something I offer as part of my business.