Basically I used to work at an agency as an event manager. We had numerous clients , not for profits. I’m a duel British Canadian citizen

one of these clients was based in the states. I used to organize a trade show and conference annually for them

i would obviously be on site for these events , organizing speakers , dealing with the usual fires etc.

looking back on this I’m fairly sure that what I was doing constituted work. Not the usual business activities allowed ( attending business meetings etc)

should I have had a visa for this?
Is there a visa that covers this kind of stuff?
does the fact that the agency had an American office make a difference? ( the office was just a mailing address as far as I can tell, no one actually was based there)


as I say . Don’t work there anymore but am curious

A B-1 visa would probably cover those activities so long as you are on the payroll of the overseas company that organizes and manages these event outside of the US, your presence was only for the duration of the event itself, and your activities were limited to facilitating the event.

Other than E and K, Canadians do not enter on non-immigrant visas. As to what you might need, consultation with attorney conversant in border issues might be a good idea.

im not in a position where this affects me anymore but I’m wondering if I should warn my colleagues who still might be

I was a bit stupid with that last job and this sort of thing. The implications didn’t hit me until I was literally at the pre clearance at the airport

now I wouldn’t let myself get in that position without consulting someone