|
Overview
for Scholars |
Message for Canadian Scholars In terms of immigration regulations, the only difference between Canadians and other international scholars coming to the United States is that Canadian citizens are not required to have a passport for entry from Canada and do not require application to a U.S. consulate for an entry visa. Although Canadian citizens
do not need a passport to enter the U.S. from Canada, you are advised
to use one because it will be required for other purposes once in the
U.S. such as completing a form for employment eligibility, if applicable,
or applying for a Social Security number. If you enter the U.S. from a
country other than Canada, you are required to present a passport at the
port of entry. Beginning December 31, 2006, all Canadian citizens entering
the U.S. by air or sea will be required to show a passport to enter the
United States. Effective December 31, 2007, a passport will be required
for ALL entries to the U.S., including land borders. Those entering the U.S. to
work or do research at Columbia should request the appropriate status
(J-1, H-1, O-1 or TN) at the border and must always show the Form DS-2019
for J-1 status, the I-797 Notice of Action approving H-1 or O-1 status
and supporting documentation to the immigration inspector. Requests for
TN status require the appropriate
letter from the employing department (LINK TO TN in dept. managers handbook).
Scholars planning to enter the U.S. in J-1 status also require proof of
payment of the SEVIS fee. To pay the SEVIS fee, go to http://www.fmjfee.com
and follow the instructions. Be sure to make a copy of the receipt for
your own records. All Canadians entering the
U.S. in a non-immigrant category other than tourist should be given an
I-94 Admission/Departure card to complete. Be sure to look at your I-94
card before you leave the inspection area to ensure that you have been
admitted in the correct status and until the date on your approved petition.
Canadian scholars must have an I-94 card to confirm their immigration
status. If you don't obtain the I-94 card, you are considered to be in
Visitor (B-2) status, a status which does not permit employment in the
U.S. Last Reviewed: 20
December 2005 Last modified:20 December 2005 |