On OPT in the US and would like to visit Canada

[Graciemuths]

Hi,

I'm Indonesian, just graduated college in the US and am currently on OPT (a type of work permit after college) and I plan on visiting Canada in august for a weekend. I'm still being financially supported by my parents but I do have an indefinite internship in my field of study. I plan on submitting my parents' bank statement and an employment letter, along with my OPT card but I was wondering whether that would be sufficient documents. Any advice? Thanks!

 

[Jalex23]

Hi,

I'm Indonesian, just graduated college in the US and am currently on OPT (a type of work permit after college) and I plan on visiting Canada in august for a weekend. I'm still being financially supported by my parents but I do have an indefinite internship in my field of study. I plan on submitting my parents' bank statement and an employment letter, along with my OPT card but I was wondering whether that would be sufficient documents. Any advice? Thanks!

Your parents' bank statement and letter of employment is irrelevant, you need to show YOU have the financial means to do the trip.

Submit proof of the internship payment, bank statement (where you receive deposits from your family) if you receive a specific amount for the trip enclose proof from your parents (e.g. explanation letter, bank statements) that show the transfer.

Also submit the OPT and make sure to state your plans in Canada as well as future plans for returning back to the US (e.g. internship proof of enrollment which includes specific dates when you are expected back).

 

[Graciemuths]

Your parents' bank statement and letter of employment is irrelevant, you need to show YOU have the financial means to do the trip.

Submit proof of the internship payment, bank statement (where you receive deposits from your family) if you receive a specific amount for the trip enclose proof from your parents (e.g. explanation letter, bank statements) that show the transfer.

Also submit the OPT and make sure to state your plans in Canada as well as future plans for returning back to the US (e.g. internship proof of enrollment which includes specific dates when you are expected back).

Oh, went I meant employment letter, I was referring to my employment letter. Sorry for the confusion. I only plan to be there for 4 days. How much would be a safe amount to show in my bank statement? Unfortunately funds in the account are a bit short at the moment, around a thousand usd but there is consistent proof in the statement that I always receive transfers from home on a monthly basis. Also, regarding pay stubs, I am paid on a weekly basis, depending on the hours I do. Would I just submit the most recent sub that reflects the total gross salary I've received so far or should I submit multiple stubs indicating how much I'm typically paid per paycheck? Thanks a lot for the help btw.

 

[cryptic0]

You need to show evidence of employment and income in the United States under the OPT program. I would attach bank statements for at least 4 months showing whatever amount you want to show. Plus show them last six pay stubs (in your case 24 paystubs) and the letter of employment offer. I was visiting for only one weekend and I showed around $600.

When you actually get the visa, make sure you have all the documents to get back in the US. This includes, but not limited to:

Your F1 visa (expired or unexpired)
Passport valid for at least six months
I-20 with travel signature
EAD card
I-94 stamped with D/S (unless your I-94 is electronic)

Unless your US Visa has *not* expired, do not surrender your I-94 (if paper) to the Canadian border patrol/airline. In other words, surrender I-94 only if you have a valid US visa.

Be prepared! Read thoroughly prior to visit on regulations for entry and exit in both countries. Never lie on your visa application about even trivial things and be truthful to the border patrol. If you have more questions, post them here.

 

[Jalex23]

I only plan to be there for 4 days. How much would be a safe amount to show in my bank statement? Unfortunately funds in the account are a bit short at the moment, around a thousand usd but there is consistent proof in the statement that I always receive transfers from home on a monthly basis.

Canada would like to see you are taking the trip seriously, showing proper savings towards the trip. A thousand USD is quite enough for 4 days, of course after accommodations and also depending on your itinerary. Maybe you can ask your parents for some extra cash, and attach proper evidence that the deposit came from your parents.

Also, regarding pay stubs, I am paid on a weekly basis, depending on the hours I do. Would I just submit the most recent sub that reflects the total gross salary I've received so far or should I submit multiple stubs indicating how much I'm typically paid per paycheck? Thanks a lot for the help btw.

You can do that. With the employment letter is enough. If you can attach a summary of the latest paychecks that would work as well. Also bank statements where the deposits are shown would be a good idea.