TN visa

[kanukgirl 0]

Hello everyone!

In about 6 months time I will be entering the US with hopes of obtaining a TN visa, but just wanted to make sure I have everything in order so it can go as smoothly as possible - the idea of having no paper work before hand and no guarantee of allowed entrance is a bit daunting!

SO - I am a Canadian citizen, recently graduated with a Bachelor's of Science from McGill University with hopes of finding a job in the scientific field (biologist, lab technician, research assistant at an post-secondary educational institute, etc.) in the Bay Area. I went to a workshop at the university with members from the US Consulate here in Montreal and they informed me I was on the list of eligible professions for the NAFTA-TN visa (which I had no previous knowledge of) and they said it was as simple as going to the Department of Homeland Security at my port of entry with proof of citizenship, a job offer and proof of (in my case) a Bachelor's degree.

I have two main incentives for moving to the US:

I have hopes of applying to a graduate program in the US and will be essentially "taking a year off" waiting until the next round of applications, and hope to get experience at well-known research university. I understand this will entail a change of status to a student visa, and leaving the country for a period of time, but I wouldn't be a student in the US (if I get accepted) until September 2012...so I will be working for a year and half under a TN visa.

My boyfriend and I met here in Montreal, and he is a USC and has since relocated to the Bay Area for a job of his own. We have been dating a year and half, but are still very young, haven't committed to each other in any sort of way (engagement, etc.), and this move is very much to test the waters. If and when we decide to get married, we still have no idea where we would "settle down" (Canada, the US or the EU)

Now that I have given y'all the low-down I have a few questions about the process of getting a TN visa...Is it as "easy" as it sounds? I understand the letter and offer of employment need to be quite detailed about my qualifications. How often do people get rejected? I truly have no idea if I ever intend to immigrate, and this is very much a temporary (~1.5 year) work visa, but could mentioning the fact that I have a US boyfriend be detrimental to my status? I don't want to lie, obviously.

I hope this wasn't too confusing. I appreciate any advice and feedback!

Thanks!

[canadian_wife 1,817]

It really is as easy as going to the POE. However, it is up to the CBP (you should get a NAFTA specific agent) on whether you are approved for the TN visa. If you are not, you have a few options, you may be able to simply withdraw your application rather than be denied entry. You may also ask if it is a problem with the job itself or the letter stating the qualifications. If it is with the letter there is nothing stopping you from getting an updated letter and re-trying at the border again.

I also suggest you bring your actual degree and copies of your transcripts. Since your education is relevant to the TN visa, they often as for this at the border. Also, expect a long delay at the border as who knows when the NAFTA agent will be free or even if you'll get a NAFTA agent.

If asked for your incentives, do not mention your boyfriend. TN is a non-immigrant visa. It is not dual intent (meaning they assume you'll stay and adjust status). You have very valid reasons for going to the US on this visa, focus on those and only if directly asked about family or friends in the US should you answer.

Good luck

[kanukgirl 0]

Another quick question... I could potentially be driving across North America (either Canada or the US) with a U-Haul full of my stuff - some furniture, art, maybe a bed, etc. with Port of Entry being either NB/ME or BC/WASH. Can you do this when you are attempting to enter on the TN visa? Have others had any similar experiences?

I would like to avoid making two trips (ie. one to enter and get TN, another with my stuff), as to reduce costs.

Thanks

[metals95 1]

You can get your TN before you move. Once you get a job offer you can go and get the TN status, and turn around and go back to Canada to pack etc. I would suggest that this is the best way.

When I got my first TN, I got it a week before my job started, and returned home. This strategy also gives you time to correct any issues if you get denied and re-apply. If you live too far from the border you will need to come up with an alternate plan. At one point I had 2 TN's while changing jobs. I did not give notice at job 1 until TN for job 2 was approved, I had 2 TN's for about a week before I started job 2. Do whatever you can to minimize risk.

[Dakine10 5,452]

Another quick question... I could potentially be driving across North America (either Canada or the US) with a U-Haul full of my stuff - some furniture, art, maybe a bed, etc. with Port of Entry being either NB/ME or BC/WASH. Can you do this when you are attempting to enter on the TN visa? Have others had any similar experiences?

I would like to avoid making two trips (ie. one to enter and get TN, another with my stuff), as to reduce costs.

Thanks

You can do it this way if you want. If you get Tn status your fine. If you don't get Tn status, you'll just end up hauling the U-Haul back home. That's why some people like to get the Tn first and then come back to Canada and pick up there stuff later.

Here's a list of professions which qualify for Tn entry. May be slightly outdated but gives a general idea.

http://www.grasmick.com/tnlist.htm