Training across borders

asafepassage · 05-25-2007, 08:50 AM

Hello All,

I am really interested to hear how other trainers who offer workshops cross the boarder to teach...I had an experience at the boarder this past weekend when I went to train in Maine and would not like to repeat it.

Sooooo for those of you who may be on the list and travel to Canada or to US (out of country) to teach...what do you say at the boarder? Are you on a work VISA? or have TN status under NAFTA? For those of you who may have organized workshops with international speakers....were they on a VISA or did you write a letter to sponsor them?

You may want to email me off-line if you are not comfortable answering this in this forum.

Thank you so much for your thoughts!

Cheers,
Jodi
info@asafepassage.info

syncreo · 07-03-2007, 02:09 PM

Hey Jodi,
Just saw this post again and I see you didn't get any replies. Teri Shiling is probably going to be contacting you regarding your training and resources and she would be a good person to ask this question of. She has travelled back and forth across the border quite a few times to do training and she would probably have some input to share.

Cheers, Shawna

nocomparta · 07-03-2007, 03:58 PM

I wish I had some input here, I am smack-dab in the middle of Alabama/Georgia, so I don't head across the border any to train. But I'm sure you'll get some great input from Teri.

DoulaRena · 07-04-2007, 08:36 AM

I haven't yet traveled to train either, but would love to hear what you learn from Teri or others.

asafepassage · 10-05-2007, 11:05 AM

I ended up actually getting a TN visa to teach in Seattle...it is the only legal way to do it! While I can tell you through the process more than once I thought I was just going to go and not say anything---the thought of being turned around at the boarder was too much. Once I got all the paper work required, it actually went well. I know that many trainers are going back and forth without declaring their purposes--but for me after being turned around before a workshop in Maine--it isn't a risk i would take lightly.

Cheers,
Jodi

syncreo · 10-05-2007, 12:04 PM

Thanks for sharing Jodi. I was thinking about this topic again when we crossed the border in September to go to the Lamaze conference. The border guards seemed really intent on finding out if we were going just to attend or if we would be presenting.

How much work was the paperwork and how long did it take?
Thanks.

asafepassage · 10-05-2007, 05:33 PM

It involved getting the oganization hiring me for the weekend...providing a signed contract and support letter...I have templates if anyone ever wants to go this route. Then I had to get all my school transcripts and certificates and prove that I could be considered a "social worker" for the pupose of a TN visa---there are only 16 occupations that count. Then I went to the boarder for an interview, paid my $60.oo and got the visa. The important thing is to have the signed contract for service and their letter of support for your visa. The organization I went for was so amazing at getting me anything I needed. You are approved or denied on the spot. With your education--you could totally make it work.