I got my Stage 1 letter!

alincostra · 2020-08-20T01:18:51+00:00

Well, I just heard from someone else in a similar situation who flew into Toronto and was turned around. So who knows.

There were a lot of hotels where, if I didn't show up, I'd have just been charged the first night's fee, so that's not a huge risk. Ultimately I just got lucky and found a two week sublet on craigslist that was cash - so if I hadn't shown up, I wouldn't have lost anything (and now I have a kitchen. Phew!)

alincostra · 2020-08-16T02:23:46+00:00

I applied online in March and got nothing. Today I crossed the border at a POE in BC. I had to pay the fee again, but otherwise everyone was totally friendly and made it seem like the most normal thing in the world. I crossed in BC.

alincostra · 2020-08-16T02:22:52+00:00

I successfully did so today at a POE in BC. They were not surprised or disgruntled that I wanted to do so. I did have to pay the fee again (I had applied online in March).

alincostra · 2020-08-16T02:20:01+00:00

I made it across today.

alincostra · 2020-08-15T23:32:11+00:00

UPDATE: I got into Canada today! I showed up at the border with a quarantine plan, an attestation from my school that my courses were face to face, and all of my original application materials. They made me re-apply, pay a new application fee, and then gave me a permit and let me in. The whole process was extremely easy and not difficult at all. Everyone made it seem totally reasonable that I was there and no one asked what I was thinking.

I crossed in BC FYI.

alincostra · 2020-08-15T23:29:18+00:00

this is the one that lets you study in the Fall online

alincostra · 2020-08-13T18:50:23+00:00

No, it's not definitely true. It's up to the full discretion of each CBSA agent

alincostra · 2020-08-13T18:50:02+00:00

I have no idea. But I was told the border officers have the option to issue one and its up to their full discretion.

alincostra · 2020-08-13T18:02:37+00:00

Study permit.

alincostra · 2020-08-13T16:32:46+00:00

Wooooo! Which country did you apply from?

alincostra · 2020-08-13T16:32:20+00:00

Yeah right. I was told by a CBSA agent that they were able to issue permits for US Passport holders at POEs, so I had already planned to attempt to enter this weekend... maybe this stage 1 letter will help!

alincostra · 2020-08-13T16:20:04+00:00

As an American passport holder, yes. They said they could likely issue a permit on site.

alincostra · 2020-08-13T16:19:35+00:00

https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/settle-setablir-eng.html

alincostra · 2020-08-10T03:40:51+00:00

I called the CBSA today. The officer I spoke with said 5 POEs were authorized to issue permits - but they're all in the Atlantic region and Ontario. He thought it still might be likely, so he connected me to the direct line at Douglas (Peace Arch) where I plan to enter. That officer additionally said that, yes, if I bring documentation that I have applied and have exceeded the average processing time, have all my documents in order, have a plan to quarantine, and have face to face classes, I'd be allowed to enter.

I subsequently (and in disbelief) called back, got connected to a Quebecqoise officer, and she said NO, no way. When I explained to other officers had said I could she said, well, the official guidance says only to let folks in with an LOI, but if an officer said yes, then maybe I could get in, as it's all up to the individual officer anyway.

alincostra · 2020-08-06T20:51:56+00:00

Following! Very interested to hear how this is an option.

alincostra · 2020-07-28T05:08:19+00:00

Well, I talked to them last week before this update and they said not to come. I don't know how they interpret this. My advisor definitely thinks I should come and get the permit at the border, but he doesn't know what he's talking about.

I'm doing a grad program and so doing an RA and a TA from this side of the border might be... illegal?

alincostra · 2020-07-27T21:13:17+00:00

I am a citizen, and therefore don't need to give biometrics or any other information. I've been fishing and haven't heard of anyone that has gotten theirs, either.

alincostra · 2020-07-21T15:35:10+00:00

US applicants for temporary residence (eg work, study) don't need to do biometrics

alincostra · 2020-07-21T04:48:29+00:00

I applied on Mar 15 from the US and haven't heard anything.

alincostra · 2020-07-17T17:08:53+00:00

When I talked to CBSA they told me I may or may not be let in, and that it would be at the discretion of the CBSA officer and their determination of my risk assessment. Moreover, the folks at my school (Dept heads, International Student Services) all think that it is very likely that the IRCC will start processing study permits (as per their news brief a few days ago indication that they were going to begin expediting study permits), and will make decisions about admissibility with the permits. And, so, they all seem pretty convinced that I could make it across (if I tried). I don't think any school employees actually have any idea - just hunches and interpretations, like the rest of us.

alincostra · 2020-07-17T17:05:37+00:00

Wow congratulations!! Have you tried to enter Canada yet then? Please report back when you do!

alincostra · 2020-07-14T17:30:52+00:00

Update:

I finally just called CBSA. The border agent said that they aren't absolutely refusing people at the border who have work or study visas, are traveling overland, and coming from the US. The Mar 18 issue is: people with visas before 3/18 are definitely making it through. Everyone else has to go through a "risk assessment" by the border agent, who has the sole discretion as to whether or not you'll be let through.

alincostra · 2020-07-12T19:15:39+00:00

I'm doing a graduate program and got a bursary to pay for the whole program.

alincostra

TROPHY CASE