Thanks for all the helpful info!! I have found a program called Wwoofing US which lets me work on an organic farm NOT FOR MONEY, but for food and a roof over my head (which is really all I need so I can survive during the natural living skills course!). Since I would not be being paid for the work, I believe this is legal. The Wwoofing US site also says that I don't need a visa to do it.
Since I am Canadian, I am thinking of using this Wwoofing option and just driving into the US for 3 months, and then out and in again for another 6 months for the natural living skills program. With this in mind, my only questions now are:
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Do I mention the natural living skills program at the border?
The US Consulate site says "Canadian citizens do not require a visa to enter the United States directly from Canada for the purposes of visiting or studying." BUT the Canadian Foreign Affairs and International Trade site says "Canadian students are no longer allowed to begin study in the United States without a valid Certificate of Eligibility (From I-20)." BUT the natural living skills program is not a certified program and thus can't issue any such form. Also, the program is only 12 hrs per week. All that said, will mentioning that I intend to study cause problems for me at the border? Should I maybe get a signed letter from Earthwalk explaining the nature of the program? -
Do I mention the Wwoofing program at the border?
As I said, the Wwoofing program is NOT paid work. It is work in exchange for food and accommodation. As explained on the website, it does not require a visa and its main purpose is educational. In spite of this, mightn't the border people jump on the words "working on a farm", ignore the words "NOT FOR MONEY", and bar me from the country? Should I maybe get a signed letter from my Wwoofing hosts or the Wwoofing organization explaining the nature of the Wwoofing program?
Please also note: I can prove that I have funds to cover my stay with bank records (before I pay tuition) and with a letter from my mom (although I don't intend to actually use her funds).
Any final help you can provide me on my questions would be greatly appreciated!!