Do I need a US Visa for a non-paid tech conference as a Canadian Citizen?

[jacksparrowgta]

Hello everyone, Just had my citizenship Oath ceremony today. I'm going to apply for my Canadian passport next Tuesday. I was an Indian citizen and had a B1/B2 visa. I know I can use that to attend the conference.

Since I'm a new Canadian citizen I want to make sure I don't screw up on my very first trip with the new passport.

Do I even need a US visa for the conference, I know I don't need a US visa for vacation/non-business travels. Is that considered business?

If a Visa is required can I just ask them to transfer the visa to the new citizenship on the port of entry? or do I have to go through the entire process to get the Visa, the conference is on April 3rd and April 4th.

Thanks for your help in advance.

 

[dzei]

No, you won't need a visa. You'd need a visa if you go work for an US employer. This seems to be a business trip and you'll be fine entering with your brand new shiny Canadian passport.

 

[Bs65]

Only if subject to anything in following link

https://ca.usembassy.gov/visas/do-i-need-a-visa/

 

[Gibe]

Just say that we will attend a conference. No need to lie, but be sure to never mention the word "work" or something impling that you will be working there.

 

[keesio]

Just say that we will attend a conference. No need to lie, but be sure to never mention the word "work" or something impling that you will be working there.

Yes, this is good advice. I've seen some colleagues hassled because they said something to arouse suspicion.

 

[jc94]

Most likely route is...

"Purpose of trip?"
"Business"
"Got any food"
"No"

/passport back (obviously if you have food say "yes, an apple/chocolate" whatever).

If they ask what you're doing, just say conference. If they ask where it is, state the state/town. Basically don't provide more details than they ask for.
On a Canadian passport, as long as you're not doing multiple week long trips in the same month to the same place you are very unlikely to have an issue.

 

[ZingyDNA]

Yeah I don't think you need a visa. I went to the states for conferences and used a visitor visa, so pretty sure that counts as visiting. Canadian passport is good for that.