US Citizen but living abroad - can I still apply at port of entry?

[memyselfandyou]

Hello all!

I'm an American citizen (I travel on a US passport) however I do not live in the States right now.

Most official school websites and even the official government website say that American citizens and residents may apply for their study permit upon arrival in Canada (with all the documents and payment of course). Citizens in the country where I live do not require medical exams or temporary visas, however they do have to apply for a study permit a few weeks in advance. Due to financial reasons, I am running a bit pressed for time and cannot do that - so I would love to know if as a US citizen I can apply at the gate despite not living in the US (I can travel through the USA to Canada no problem).

Basically -- as a US citizen, am I entitled to the a port of entry application despite not residing there? The school thought it should be fine but wasn't sure.

 

[mead]

dont know if it is at port of entry or at border crossing...but US citizens dont need visa for 90 days right? then is there a possibility of applying after u enter canada?

 

[memyselfandyou]

I actually think it's even longer, mead. Six months. But my school needs it to allow me to attend, I'm pretty sure!

 

[mead]

i said cause they used to give student permit at border crossings not sure now and also dont know if this applies to port of entry too...how ever if they dont give u at port of entry u can still enter the country and drive to the nearest border crossing.

 

[mead]

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/study-permit-application-at-los-angeles-t113549.0.html;msg1668660#msg1668660

 

[memyselfandyou]

Oh, I see - would that mean it would be better for me to come through Buffalo and drive through to Canada rather than fly up straight from my home country to Toronto?

 

[mead]

ye if they dont give visa at port of entry......check first if they give out student permit at port of entry or else u have a back plan...

 

[Jd5]

Hi,

Hello all!

I'm an American citizen (I travel on a US passport) however I do not live in the States right now.

Most official school websites and even the official government website say that American citizens and residents may apply for their study permit upon arrival in Canada (with all the documents and payment of course). Citizens in the country where I live do not require medical exams or temporary visas, however they do have to apply for a study permit a few weeks in advance. Due to financial reasons, I am running a bit pressed for time and cannot do that - so I would love to know if as a US citizen I can apply at the gate despite not living in the US (I can travel through the USA to Canada no problem).

Basically -- as a US citizen, am I entitled to the a port of entry application despite not residing there? The school thought it should be fine but wasn't sure.

You are eligible to apply at the Port of Entry, even if you directly land in Canada.