Would visiting Cuba affect my dental application?

[digitalfortress]

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I'm in Canada and it's not illegal to visit Cuba for holiday reason. But if I apply to American dental school, would that affect my application in any way? I know it can complicate the citizenship process, but I don't plan on being an American citizen and I really don't want to be the only one not going. Thoughts?

 

[xbite]

I'm in Canada and it's not illegal to visit Cuba for holiday reason. But if I apply to American dental school, would that affect my application in any way? I know it can complicate the citizenship process, but I don't plan on being an American citizen and I really don't want to be the only one not going. Thoughts?

You'll be fine. Cue: people making fun of this post.

 

[jeffity]

What's so fantastic in Cuba that you'd vacation there? Just don't check the 'Have you been to Cuba?' box on the AADSAS application and you'll be fine.

 

[ktran17]

Although its true that you can't visit Cuba for recreational purposes as a U.S. Citizen, there are ways around it if you really want to visit the country. I know of several friends who managed to get permission to visit Cuba by saying they're going there for cultural learning trip. something along those lines. =P

 

[digitalfortress]

Oh, I guess I didn't make this clear. I'm a Canadian citizen. Apparently you could get in trouble if you have a history of being in Cuba even if you're not a US citizen. The law applies for anyone that are in US soil. It sounds like a silly thing, but I'd hate to be a loser if I happen to get accepted and that all crashes down if I'm sent back from the airport.

Or maybe the law changed since Obama' administration? Or maybe I'm looking too much into this?

 

[ktran17]

The laws did change since the obama administration. It's not as strict. I think as long as you don't have a business relationship with Cuba and aren't going there on a regular basis you should be fine..

 

[BlackThought]

Oh, I guess I didn't make this clear. I'm a Canadian citizen. Apparently you could get in trouble if you have a history of being in Cuba even if you're not a US citizen. The law applies for anyone that are in US soil. It sounds like a silly thing, but I'd hate to be a loser if I happen to get accepted and that all crashes down if I'm sent back from the airport.

Or maybe the law changed since Obama' administration? Or maybe I'm looking too much into this?

I've never heard of this. I'm a Canadian applicant and have been to Cuba. At no point as there been an issue. You may be overthinking something you heard in passing by someone. I see no reason for an adcom to look down upon a Canadian applicant becasue he/she went to Cuba at some point of their life. I don't even know how this would come up in the first place.

 

[Hawkteeth]

Dental schools hate them there commie lovers, your done for.

 

[Bis-GMA111]

I'm in Canada and it's not illegal to visit Cuba for holiday reason. But if I apply to American dental school, would that affect my application in any way? I know it can complicate the citizenship process, but I don't plan on being an American citizen and I really don't want to be the only one not going. Thoughts?

only if your name is sean carter

 

[lr2014]

only if your name is sean carter

They had a good time there...

OP: You are Canadian not American, you have no problem. Also, I don't see why that would complicate your citizenship application, you went as a Canadian. I hope you enjoyed my country. 😀

 

[dantemac]

For any US applicants, I would check if Cuba travel disqualifies you for the military scholarship. Not that anyone plans to go there...

 

[UCSFx2017]

http://www.protectionproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/cuba.pdf
^Sketchy...

You're fine. It's dental school not the ATF or the DoD.

 

[digitalfortress]

Thanks. It sounds silly, but I've seen how bureaucratic border issue can be from my past experience.

 

[user101]

americans are allowed to go to cuba now

 

[Elshaer]

Cuba does not stamp your passport when you enter the country. They give you your visa on a piece of paper. You can visit, and the US would have no idea you have been there. Also, it's not against the law to go there since your Canadian, so you are okay.

 

[lr2014]

Cuba does not stamp your passport when you enter the country. They give you your visa on a piece of paper. You can visit, and the US would have no idea you have been there. Also, it's not against the law to go there since your Canadian, so you are okay.

Cuban Customs stamps the passport, at least they stamp mine every time I go, but I am from there so it might be different with tourists from other countries.

americans are allowed to go to cuba now

Technically, they are not allowed, the Department of Treasury doesn't give normal licenses to them to go there. If you do get a license it has to be approved by the State Department under "special circumstances" such as academic, religious, humanitarian, etc reasons not just for tourism. However, many Americans stretch their reasons for traveling there and just end up on a beach drinking a mojito.

 

[Elshaer]

Cuban Customs stamps the passport, at least they stamp mine every time I go, but I am from there so it might be different with tourists from other countries.

Well for us Canadians that is how it works.