Canada
2nd of September, 2007
I am so happy I’m in Canada. Deciding to leave San Francisco early turned out to be a brilliant decision. The plan was to take a bus to Calgary from San Francisco. 24 hours in, at the Canadian border, they told me I couldn’t enter.
I was told I needed a study Visa. I spent so much time organising Visas and immigration that I couldn’t believe I’d overlooked something so important. They suggested I return to Seattle, 3 hours away, see the Canadian consulate in the morning and apply for a study permit.
The border crossing isn’t exactly a bus stop. After being treated like an idiot and a criminal by US border security a passing bus driver was nice enough to give me a free ride back to Seattle. I booked into a Travelodge. With Mum’s help we found it very clear that because I was staying less than 6 months, I did not need a Visa or a study permit whatsoever.
To quote the consulate’s website under the heading Exceptions:
In some cases, you do not require a study permit to go to school in Canada.
If you wish to study in a short-term course or program You do not need a study permit if you are planning to take a course or program in Canada that lasts six months or less. You must complete the course or program within the period authorized for your stay in Canada.
Nonetheless I got up early and went to the Canadian consulate in Seattle the next morning. They once again confirmed that I did not need a study permit or Visa. They said the only problem border security might have had was with my letter from Mt Royal that wasn’t clear enough on me staying for one semester only.
Within half an hour I had a new, extremely clear letter from Mt Royal faxed to the consulate. They couldn’t guarantee that I’d be let in when I tried again but assured me that theoretically, I should be allowed.
That afternoon I was on an Alaskan Airlines flight to Calgary. I landed. I made it through immigration in 5 minutes, without a hitch. One day and $400 later I made into Canada. I did get to see the space needle in Seattle though.
Anyway.
The hostel I’m staying at in Calgary is great. It’s the most comfortable, clean and facility rich place I’ve stayed. It’s full of young people and last night I went out for a beer with a couple of Englishmen and a Dutchman. It’s in a rough area but walk a block or two and you’re in downtown Calgary.
There’s a free train up and down the city, I really like that.
I move into residence at Mount Royal tomorrow so this afternoon I’ll go to Sears to pick up some things like sheets and a pillow. So far I really like Canada.
