What do musicians (Canadians?) tell customs agents at the border when they take an orch audition? Curious to know the other way, too.
I’m a Canadian citizen and recently travelled from Canada to US for an orchestra audition. The customs officer asked me why I was going to the U.S. and I said it was for the X section audition. He asked if I was a professional I said yes (even tho still technically a student haha) and to that he said that I had to declare I was travelling for “business” when I had originally put travelling for “pleasure”. He was a bit annoyed that I didn’t state my reason for travel was “for business” and didn’t seem to understand that I hadn’t gotten the job yet, thus not visa sponsored by the orchestra, and I was merely going for what is —outside of the music world— for all intents and purposes, a job interview.
So what do Canadians do for this? Is taking a U.S. audition, business or pleasure?
I am a Canadian have done a number of international auditions, both in the USA and further afield, and I have always just told them at the point of entry that I am going for an orchestra audition with whatever orchestra I am auditioning for and have never had any problems. I usually have a copy of the invitation letter with me, either printed or on my phone, just in case, but I don't recall being asked for it.
I figure it is best to just be straightforward and honest. And so far, there haven't been any problems.
Canadian musician here!
I have travelled from Canada to US for various reasons: schools, auditions and to work (with pay).
I believe auditions are considered as interview without pay. It would be under B1 visa (business). As Canadians, we don't need to apply for a separate visa at the US embassy; only at the borders.
As far as I know, the customs people at the airport or land border are only concerned about if you would be paid monetarily.
If you are being paid, then you need a different visa like O-1 or P visas.
Hope this helps!
One could argue that taking an orchestral audition is neither business nor pleasure.
CAN—>US: I always say it’s for business. No work visa required.
Interesting - I'm American and have traveled to Canada for an audition. Just told them I'm a musician taking the equivalent of a job interview (had to explain what an audition was) and they had no issues letting me through.
This happened to me as an American traveling to a Canadian audition.
I said I was traveling for business and was asked if I had work authorization. Eventually, they let me through, but I was asked to show a copy of the audition invitation email showing that I'd essentially been invited to interview for a job and I wasn't getting paid.
Make sure you have that downloaded or have cell service in the US and you should be good to go.