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.