US visa help

Since you are not working a [NAFTA professional job], I don't see anything that would allow you to come and work outside the standard visas (which are not easy to get).
More info here.

If you are eligible, you may try BUNAC, and schedule your work around your course.

Canadian citizens do not require a visa to enter the United States directly from Canada for the purposes of visiting or studying. (That's straight from the US embassyin Ottawa.) Canadians are usually granted 6months on entery, but that can be extended if you apply before it expires. YOu may be asked for proof that you can support yourself for 6 months without working, or that you have ties to Canada that will make you want to return. It is not common, but I have seen reports of Canadians who were denied entry because they could not prove financial resources.

Canada Foreign Affairs says
>Canadian students are no longer allowed to begin study in the United States without a valid Certificate of Eligibility (From I-20). This document is issued by the U.S. school and sent directly to the applicant. Students must have their Form I-20 in their possession each time they enter the United States for presentation to Customs and Border Protection Officers. They should also have documentary evidence of sufficient funds to cover travel, tuition and living expenses in the United States for at least the first year of schooling, such as a notarized bank statement or letter from a parent/guardian attesting to the funds.

After a bit of rummaging, I see that it is highly unlikely that your program is eligible to issue you that form. So you are going to need to call the program anything but "study" or "school." Be careful about usng the word Training" as well, as there is a special trainee visa.

And, yes, it is true that it will be nearly impossible for you to work at a casual labor job, unless you do so illegally.

I'm desperately curious---- What is a natural living program and how much do you pay for this?

Thanks to everyone who posted!

I'm still looking at my options.... I couldn't apply to BUNAC, since I'm not a student at a British/Irish University, but I'm right now looking for other "working holiday in the US" type sites, so thanks for the tip!

Something that occurred to me..... I will have certification of Grade 10 Royal Conservatory piano by the time I go, and I was hoping that that may be able to provide some way I could work as a pianist in the States. I kind of doubt it, since it's not this grade, but the next grade of piano, ARCT, that's the equivalent to a uni degree. Therefore, I don't think I'd be considered a "professional." Any ideas, anyone?

Kahua... What I'm calling a "natural living program" is a program where you learn how to live a more sustainable lifestyle and how to not die if you're in the wilderness with no supplies. I'll learn things about how to forage plants (and which ones to forage), how to hunt using primitive tools, how to make primitive tools, and how to survive, with nothing, in the wilderness. The price of this kind of program depends on the program.... It can be quite pricey (ex. NOLS offers "semesters" in the wilderness for $8000+), but I'm sure you can find less costly ones than NOLS. The one I'm going to costs $7600 for an entire year, so about the same as a uni semester.

Your piano certification will not help you get a work visa.

A wilderness living course will in no way help you get a visa for a year. I'd say you have a real problem. Your best bet is to arrange a visit to the US Consulate and discuss this with an Immigration Officer. It is not going to fit within any of the normal parameters they deal with day to day. That will just get you a no. I believe you will need to meet someone face to face to get anywhere.

Also, you can forget working legally. Don't even mention that idea. You can count on having to show proof of funds to support yourself. You can try telling them that due to the nature of the course, you actually eat off the land and need to funds other than your return ticket and a couple of thousands for nights out in town or something.

The only visa I see you as likely to get is an extended tourist visa for a year.

Another thought, I see you are Canadian although you seem to be living in the UK right now. As a Canadian you can drive across the border (or bus) for 6 months. You then only have to return to Canada for a day or two and can cross again for 6 months. Perhaps the easiest and most likely way for you to do this course is to do just that. Just make a trip up to Canada for a few days and then return.

You will still have the work problem but you are never going to get a work visa anyway.

At a visa interview, the consulate officer will ask to see proof of funds to support yourself during this course. Telling them you will work in the USA is the wrong answer.

For an extended tourist visa ( I guess BP means a B-2 visa which is renewed), you will also be asked to provide proof of funds.

Doesn't sound like you can afford this course, whatever is it.

At a visa interview, the consulate officer will ask to see proof of funds to support yourself during this course. Telling them you will work in the USA is the wrong answer.

For an extended tourist visa ( I guess BP means a B-2 visa which is renewed), you will also be asked to provide proof of funds.

Doesn't sound like you can afford this course, whatever is it.