Apply for TN at small crossing before flying down for job?

I'm having an interview for a job in the States which would qualify for a TN visa. (Actuary/mathematician) I'm currently in Surrey BC (outside Vancouver). In case I'm offered the job, I'm plannin...

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Canadian Expatriate and Travellers Forum Index -> Canadians in the USA -> US Visas and Immigration

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robnorth
New Member

Joined: 04 Sep 2008
Posts: 4

Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 5:19 pm

I'm having an interview for a job in the States which would qualify for a TN visa. (Actuary/mathematician) I'm currently in Surrey BC (outside Vancouver).

In case I'm offered the job, I'm planning on how to handle the TN application. Based on some things I've seen in other messages, I'm wondering if there would be any advantage to:

1) Going to a land crossing (e.g. Pac Highway or Aldergrove) to apply for my TN a few days before I actually fly down to start the job; vs.

2) Just applying in YVR when I fly down to start the job.

I get the feeling that 1) would save me a lot of time on the day I fly down, and could also go through somewhat easier. Any thoughts?

Robert

CalGreenCard
CanuckAbroad Regular

Joined: 16 Feb 2008
Posts: 65

Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2008 6:45 pm

I'd pick option 3 Smile

-- put your energies into doing your homework to get the offer and the job. Your question involves small details that can easily be resolved later--if you get the job--so your focus right now has to be on getting the job--not hanging out on immigration forums!

The only exception would be if the employer somehow needs to know these logistical details before making you the offer. I think that is unlikely--usually they just want to know the approximate earliest start date at this point. Focus on your skills and getting them to like you--minor logistical details about which port of entry to use for TN entry can be resolved later once you have the offer!

robnorth
New Member

Joined: 04 Sep 2008
Posts: 4

Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 7:07 am

LOL! True enough! I'm just the kind of worry-wart who likes to triple-check stuff like this way ahead of time.

Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP

Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 1587
Location: Calgary

Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 8:59 am

Well it's better to figure it out now, lost count of how many people post on here after they've got a job or married or whatever and never considered the immigration and tax issues prior to doing that.

The answer to your question is yes, it will save you time at the airport, but on the other hand I suspect applying at the airport might be quicker. Although given how enormous a border post the Peace Arch is, maybe not.

But it does save you buying a plane ticket and then finding out you can't get the TN-1.
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Steve.

CalGreenCard
CanuckAbroad Regular

Joined: 16 Feb 2008
Posts: 65

Posted: Fri Sep 05, 2008 9:33 am

Steven wrote: Well it's better to figure it out now, lost count of how many people post on here after they've got a job or married or whatever and never considered the immigration and tax issues prior to doing that.

The answer to your question is yes, it will save you time at the airport, but on the other hand I suspect applying at the airport might be quicker. Although given how enormous a border post the Peach Arch is, maybe not.

...

Don't misunderstand me--it is very important to know that you would, generally speaking, qualify for a TN before investing significant time in a job search--and to possibly bring documentation about the TN to the interview if dealing with an employer who is skeptical or unfamiliar with the TN. But decisions as to the exact POE to use are details best left until you have an offer on the table and have enough information to make such logistical arrangements.

Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP

Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 1587
Location: Calgary

Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2008 3:52 pm

Anyway it must be a class A POE that has an FTO, and they only work regular office hours, so go to the Peace Arch if you want to cross by land would be my advice.
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Steve.

aura
New Member

Joined: 12 Sep 2008
Posts: 6

Posted: Sun Sep 14, 2008 10:18 pm

I've been offered a position which qualifies for TN. My company's lawyer is preparing my documents for the visa. I want to drive down to Peace Arch crossing near Vancouver, get the TN stamped, come back to Vancouver and then fly 3 weeks later to join the company. I've been hearing from people that it is a bad idea to go down to the Peace Arch and that I should get it stamped on the day of flying out to the US. I want to play it safe and pack my stuff only when I get the TN visa. Any suggestion will be highly appreciated?

Steven
CanuckAbroad VIP

Joined: 28 Sep 2007
Posts: 1587
Location: Calgary

Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2008 10:33 am

I'm not sure why it's a bad idea, there was one guy who posted on here that he thought the FTO at the Peace Arch was a PITA, but if you qualify, can't see why it would be a problem.

Highly subjective really because we're offering an opinion on the opinion of someone's opinion.
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Steve.