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So here's the full story so you can understand my trepidation about attempting to enter the U.S. again without some sort of official documentation.
I am a Canadian citizen and a professional caretaker for [Canadian] Olympic-level show jumping horses. I realize that I fall under the VWP but here is the tricky situation. I just returned from Florida for the winter competition circuit caring for these horses and have nearly expired the 6-month limit the VWP allows for Canadians. I entered the U.S. on November 12,2013 and returned back to Canada on April 9, 2014. I know that technically I wouldn't be allowed to reenter the U.S until November again but this job requires a lot of travel between the two countries.
The unfortunate part is that the owner of these horses is neither a rider or a trainer, merely an investor. The trainer and rider of the horses is based out of Connecticut and so I would be temporarily based there and be traveling back and forth between Canada and the U.S. until next November. I calculated about 4 additional months of travel within the U.S. and at least 6 separate times of traveling with the horses into Canada and back.
I suppose the real question is this; do I require or fall into the category of an official visa such as a B-1 or an extension to what is essentially a B-2 or will I have to chance the CBP officers every time I cross the border and hope that they feel generous? I already intend on having an official affidavit of employment from the owner, as well as copies of my Canadian bank statements showing I'm being paid in Canadian funds by a Canadian citizen, and proof of registered competitions for the horses, etc. but will this suffice to get me through? I don't want to be able to cross once and then be turned away the next time I try.
I would also like to add that the owner and rider have left me to sort this out and if asked to sponsor I am sure they would, but in terms of other help I am more or less on my own.
Sorry if it's a tad confusing, but everyone consulate and official I talk to has been equally confused and unhelpful. Any insight would be much appreciated!
I am a Canadian citizen and a professional caretaker for [Canadian] Olympic-level show jumping horses. I realize that I fall under the VWP but here is the tricky situation. I just returned from Florida for the winter competition circuit caring for these horses and have nearly expired the 6-month limit the VWP allows for Canadians. I entered the U.S. on November 12,2013 and returned back to Canada on April 9, 2014. I know that technically I wouldn't be allowed to reenter the U.S until November again but this job requires a lot of travel between the two countries.
The unfortunate part is that the owner of these horses is neither a rider or a trainer, merely an investor. The trainer and rider of the horses is based out of Connecticut and so I would be temporarily based there and be traveling back and forth between Canada and the U.S. until next November. I calculated about 4 additional months of travel within the U.S. and at least 6 separate times of traveling with the horses into Canada and back.
I suppose the real question is this; do I require or fall into the category of an official visa such as a B-1 or an extension to what is essentially a B-2 or will I have to chance the CBP officers every time I cross the border and hope that they feel generous? I already intend on having an official affidavit of employment from the owner, as well as copies of my Canadian bank statements showing I'm being paid in Canadian funds by a Canadian citizen, and proof of registered competitions for the horses, etc. but will this suffice to get me through? I don't want to be able to cross once and then be turned away the next time I try.
I would also like to add that the owner and rider have left me to sort this out and if asked to sponsor I am sure they would, but in terms of other help I am more or less on my own.
Sorry if it's a tad confusing, but everyone consulate and official I talk to has been equally confused and unhelpful. Any insight would be much appreciated!
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