Applying for US visa as a PGWP holder (graduated from UBC in June, 2014)

[omick]

I just graduated from UBC and got my 3 years PGWP, but I have not changed my re-entry visa (student type) into worker type though it's valid until August 2015. Now I have several questions about my situation:

1. I came back to China after I got my PGWP and I will go back to Canada on July 14th. Is there any problem when I re-entry Canada (valid PGWP and valid student-type re-entry visa)? Most people around me told me there would not be any problem about re-entry Canada as long as I explain my situation clearly and has a valid entry visa (whatever type) with a PGWP. But I am not sure whether the new policies from June 1st, 2014 will have any impact on my re-entry Canada.


2. I will have to go to US for an academic conference and a visit to my friend in early August, 2014 but my US visa expired several months ago. Can I apply for US visa before I change my re-entry visa? People told me that re-entry visa is not necessary when I just go back and forth between US and Canada. But my situation is a bit special as I have not started working yet and planned to start working after a two weeks break in China. Is there a better chance of getting the us visa if I use academic conference as my goal of visit? Is it the same visa type for conference trip and visiting friends?

Many thanks!!!

 

[Steevy]

1. It should not be a problem re-entering Canada having a valid visa, just explain your particular case to the POE officer in case he/she got questions.

2. As for US visa, there could be a problem in case you do not provide them with a significant reason why you will go back to Canada. Being a student grants you some sort of unquestionable alibi that you will return to Canada as long as you provide them with a current letter of enrollment.

PGWP does not give you such a privilege as you will need to provide the US Immigration Council with a proof of strong ties to Canada (employment letter, certificate that you own a vehicle or a house, etc.)

 

[omick]

Thank you! I actually just need to attend the conference and spend about one week there. But I don't have strong ties as I have just graduated from ubc last month. Can I provide my one year-round room rental contract? or the record on my debit indicating there's still some money there? I dont have a employment letter at the current moment?

Or maybe I can show them some evidence that I am actively seeking for a job? Any more suggestions? Many thanks!

 

[omick]

Thank you! Any more suggestions?

1. It should not be a problem re-entering Canada having a valid visa, just explain your particular case to the POE officer in case he/she got questions.

2. As for US visa, there could be a problem in case you do not provide them with a significant reason why you will go back to Canada. Being a student grants you some sort of unquestionable alibi that you will return to Canada as long as you provide them with a current letter of enrollment.

PGWP does not give you such a privilege as you will need to provide the US Immigration Council with a proof of strong ties to Canada (employment letter, certificate that you own a vehicle or a house, etc.)

 

[omick]

up...

Thank you! I actually just need to attend the conference and spend about one week there. But I don't have strong ties as I have just graduated from ubc last month. Can I provide my one year-round room rental contract? or the record on my debit indicating there's still some money there? I dont have a employment letter at the current moment?

Or maybe I can show them some evidence that I am actively seeking for a job? Any more suggestions? Many thanks!

 

[hb_dab]

Hey,

I have very similar case as yours. I just graduated from University of Alberta and I will be getting PGWP in few days. I also wish to apply for US visa. I do have job as Research Assistant at university. Can I know if you were able to get US visa?

Thanks