TN-1 Arrangements (???)

[Stephen_MD 0]

Hi folks!

On December 27th I'll be at Vancouver International Airport to apply for a TN-1 -- I received a job offer from a advertising company in San Francisco where I'll be working under the Graphic Designer category.

Right now I'm curious if there are any special arrangements I need to make at the airport. I realize that I will visit the Vancouver Pre-Clearance office where I'll meet the Immigration Officer but do I need to make an appointment or can I simply walk right in? (edit: Just spoke to them, I can walk right in - but if you guys can think of any suggestions I would still love to hear them) I think I'll wait until AFTER I'm granted the TN-1 to book my flight to San Francisco but then again I'm not sure if it's a bad idea given the time of year (people returning home after christmas).

Any suggestions?

Edited December 7, 2012 by Stephen_MD

[canadian_wife 1,818]

Yes, call YVR and see if the time you are to arrive there is a NAFTA officer to adjudicate your case

While any officer can technically do it, I've seen delays because the agent says a NAFTA officer must be present

Do you have the education as well as the job offer? Bring a copy (or the actual) degree you hold

good luck

[Stephen_MD 0]

Everything is in order - but there's one thing I'm curious about...

I am currently in San Francisco as a visitor, I will fly to Vancouver to go to pre-clearance. However, do I have to buy a return ticket to the US in order to enter pre-clearance or can I apply for TN-1 at pre-clearance and *then* buy a return ticket. Obviously if I'm rejected I would prefer to buy just one ticket in order to fly back to my home province of Nova Scotia.

Edited December 18, 2012 by Stephen_MD

[canadian_wife 1,818]

I do not believe a round trip ticket is necessary.

good luck, post your journey so you can help others

good luck

[Stephen_MD 0]

Well... after two surprisingly expensive "christmas season" flights and a very... VERY long day I successfully received my TN-1. I expected the Immigration Officer to be abrasive but he was very friendly, which helped put me at ease during the process. I begin work on Wednesday - so tomorrow I am off to the Social Security Administration to apply for my SSN.

Thanks for the help folks, I'll keep you all updated! (happy new year)

Edited January 1, 2013 by Stephen_MD

[canadian_wife 1,818]

Excellent news!

Congrats

[Stephen_MD 0]

Now that I'm here in the US for a while are there any tax forms or other paperwork I should file in Canada?

Edited January 4, 2013 by Stephen_MD

[canadian_wife 1,818]

I believe since a TN is a non-immigrant visa, you are required to file Canadian taxes, not necessairly pay canadian taxes, but file.

Call CRA and ask what exactly to do.

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html

I had to file when I was on a non-immigrant student and work visa

good luck