I-20 Issue... Help!

[illu]

Here's the thing.

First of all I am Canadian. I got accepted by a PhD program in the U.S. I got I-20, SEVIS paid, etc. (I don't think I need to go to a consul for F-1 interview because I am Canadian).

Furthermore I was invited to attend a workshop in summer, which ends in early July. Since school doesn't actually start until late September, I looked around and secured myself an RA position. I booked flight, found housing, and that was all OK. Essentially I wanted to start a few month early.

To my greatest horror I discovered a problem. My I-20 says I have to report to the school by mid-September at the latest. What the I-20 did not say (nevertheless found on the fineprint) is that the earliest time I can arrive is one month before that the deadline to report, or mid-August, which is way too late. I know I can go to U.S. as a visitor as a Canadian citizen, but I highly doubt that kind of status will allow me to be paid in the U.S. for RA work.

Does anyone know how to deal with this problem? The workshop is a fantastic opportunity, but I really don't want to support myself during the gap between the workshop and start of school.

[poppyensemble]

I think you should call/email your International Student Office (or the equivalent) ASAP and see what they say.

There's a good chance there have been previous situations like yours; or if not, I think they'll at least be able to tell you what your options are. Good luck! Hope you find a way.