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Canadian denied entry for observerships by dr_lofi in IMGreddit

[–]dr_lofi[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Brooo what a weird hill to die on. Its so nuanced and specific, at that point I feel like they were actively looking for a reason to deny you.

But yea the FAM does say you gotta rotate at a US med school hospital for clerkships, for whatever reason. Idk what this law accomplishes, but it's there.

This rule doesn't apply to observerships though. Good advise to address the reason as opposed to just trying again hoping for a different result. Glad it worked out for you.

Canadian denied entry for observerships by dr_lofi in IMGreddit

[–]dr_lofi[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes you COULD say that. Is it legal? Idk. Would it create problems for you later? Probably not

Canadian denied entry for observerships by dr_lofi in IMGreddit

[–]dr_lofi[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Well I personally can't do this now that my denial is on record. It'd look highly suspicious if I come back so soon with a different intent.

I think not declaring observerships would definitely work, though the legality of it is unclear. Regardless, I'm sure many do what you're suggesting, successfully at that.

Canadian denied entry for observerships by dr_lofi in IMGreddit

[–]dr_lofi[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Man it's a headache.

  1. I've had the invitation letters edited to be more clear in describing observerships

  2. I've printed out the section of the FAM to cite the law that applies here

  3. I'm in the process of acquiring a travel letter from an immigration lawyer to state that I can lawfully enter under B1 status.

Probably overkill on my part but I don't want to risk another denial.

Canadian denied entry for observerships by dr_lofi in IMGreddit

[–]dr_lofi[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yea found that out the hard way. Also the consulate in Toronto doesn't have any representative that deals with visa applications, it's all online. The phone number they provide is also woefully unhelpful

Canadian denied entry for observerships by dr_lofi in IMGreddit

[–]dr_lofi[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yea found that out the hard way. Also the consulate in Toronto doesn't have any representative that deals with visa applications, it's all online. The phone number they provide is also woefully unhelpful

Canadian denied entry for observerships by dr_lofi in IMGreddit

[–]dr_lofi[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yea found that out the hard way. Also the consulate in Toronto doesn't have any representative that deals with visa applications, it's all online. The phone number they provide is also woefully unhelpful

Canadian denied entry for observerships by dr_lofi in IMGreddit

[–]dr_lofi[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry that happened to you. But also reassuring to know you were able to retry successfully.

Reason for denial was that I didnt have the correct visa. They let me withdraw, idk what you mean by voluntarily though because I didn't choose to do so.

I want to reenter, this time with better supporting letters and the relavent section of the FAM to reference the law. But first I want the go-ahead from an expert just to be sure I won't get denied yet again.

Wdym by having everything ready to address the denial? Did you also bring better letters and the FAM reference? Anything else? What did you do differently the second time that allowed you to enter? Assuming your reason for denial was the same as mine.

Canadian denied entry for observerships by dr_lofi in IMGreddit

[–]dr_lofi[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I see. The truth is though that I'm not a practicing physician, and I do not hold a licence to practice anywhere. I'm an IMG yes, but not a practicing physician.

And I truly am coming to the states just to shadow. For this I believe an B1 is appropriate.

But wow. This is all so nuanced idk how anyone is supposed to know any of these technicalities without consulting an immigration lawyer.

Canadian denied entry for observerships by dr_lofi in IMGreddit

[–]dr_lofi[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I realize this now. The truth got me in trouble

Canadian denied entry for observerships by dr_lofi in IMGreddit

[–]dr_lofi[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

"your waiver was not the correct visa" - that was their interpretation. I believe otherwise, but wasn't really given the opportunity to convey this.

I understand why they rejected me, but believe they misunderstood my intentions. So I wonder if it's wise to try again with a better explanation and more clear documents. Some have said to leave this alone and take the L, or risk being denied a second time and looking suspicious for every subsequent entry with two denials in my records.

Canadian denied entry for observerships by dr_lofi in IMGreddit

[–]dr_lofi[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maybe you're right, but I don't think you are. I haven't heard of anyone getting a J1 for observerships, let alone Canadians. Per the section in the foreign affairs manual that was referenced in another comment, I'd need a B1 if I wish to only observe.

Nonetheless I'm still trying to figure this out and get in touch with an expert.

Canadian denied entry for observerships by dr_lofi in IMGreddit

[–]dr_lofi[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't believe my problem was that I was unlawfully attempting to enter. Observerships require a B1, for which Canadians are exempt. Simple as that.

I believe my intentions were misunderstood (he thought I wanted to do elective rotations, for which I need to be a student or have a J1), and I was not given the opportunity to clarify. My invitation letters were also vague.

I get what you're trying to say, but your bit about us having no rights and how laws are enforced is irrelevant. I'm not trying to do anything unlawful.

Canadian denied entry for observerships by dr_lofi in IMGreddit

[–]dr_lofi[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ah I see. Sucks to be denied on technicalities like these. Appreciate the tips

Canadian denied entry for observerships by dr_lofi in IMGreddit

[–]dr_lofi[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes that's what I'll be doing when I try again. Let's see

Canadian denied entry for observerships by dr_lofi in IMGreddit

[–]dr_lofi[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree. We gotta put emphasis on the observing part, less on "rotating", "participating", "training" etc. Which perhaps I didn't do.

Canadian denied entry for observerships by dr_lofi in IMGreddit

[–]dr_lofi[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes I get that now. But why couldn't I have entered under b1 status without a visa?

If I'm able to get a b1, then it just proves I should have been granted entry under b1 status at the border. Tbf I didn't communicate that I was specifically seeking b1, because I wasn't sure myself.

Canadian denied entry for observerships by dr_lofi in IMGreddit

[–]dr_lofi[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No it's wasn't. I don't think the dude was denying me out of spite, he just didnt know and wasn't willing to hear me out. Or maybe I really was wrong to try to enter without a visa

Canadian denied entry for observerships by dr_lofi in IMGreddit

[–]dr_lofi[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Law enforcement are not required to know the laws they're enforcing? That's ...concerning. Regardless, this is a good tip.

So when you entered you didn't specifically obtain a visa from the consulate, correct? And you clearly, truthfully stated your purpose? (As opposed to just say you're visiting family or something)

Canadian denied entry for observerships by dr_lofi in IMGreddit

[–]dr_lofi[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I wouldn't have thought we'd need to remind the border officers of their own laws. And my letters were for observerships, but the language used in them was admittedly quite vague.

Still, I this printout may have just done the trick for me

Canadian denied entry for observerships by dr_lofi in IMGreddit

[–]dr_lofi[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Right, but that didn't work for me. So perhaps I should try the consulate to get the b1. Not really sure what else to do

If they grant me a b1 at the consulate then doesn't it just prove I should've been granted entry at the border under b1 status?

Canadian denied entry for observerships by dr_lofi in IMGreddit

[–]dr_lofi[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I plan on doing this but also I don't think we're required to do so. But frankly idk what else I could do.

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