Can I get TN visa in advance of actual flight date?

You are allowed to get your TN Visa a maximum of 2 weeks before the start date listed on the TN Visa Support letter, or Company offer letter.

I've been to Buffalo/Fort Erie Crossing twice to do TN Visas and it's VERY easy to do there.

I believe the question is, prior to exiting Canada can the applicant for a TN visa obtain the TN visa, continue to stay in Canada for a few days and then leave to the US with the approved visa.

Isn't that clear in my response? I stated that the applicant may receive their TN Visa a maximum of two weeks before the start date. Meaning you're allowed to go there, get the TN, then two weeks later, leave to start your job in the United states.

Every port of entry has its own rules.
I wouldn't be surprised if Terminal 3 at pearson has rules that are different than Terminal 1. At pearson, before they let you through to US preclearance, some uniformed airport worker will demand to see your boarding pass. I guess you COULD tell them that you are there to talk to border agents for a visa and show them your passport and all the requisite documents.

It's definitely a tricky thing. you may be able to get away with it at the border but, by air, you may be risking your ticket that day.

I got a 3 year TN at the peace bridge this past tuesday. Tomorrow I am flying with porter so I won't be precleared to enter the US.

I chose porter because of their deals going on plus i have a bunch of luggage and my wife with me. So.. has anyone been in this situation? Will I have to re-present any of my documentation, degree or letter of TN? has anyone been given a hard time entering the US without being precleared?

Thanks

I assume you mean you will be flying from Billy Bishop?

You have the TN, so there will be no problem. There are a few airports in canada that don't have PFI, so they clear CBP at US airport, just like those entering from any other country.

No need to re-present anything.

if you ask 100 people, you will get 100 answers. A lawyer told me, 2 days ago that you must cross into the US for good if you get your visa
1. either at an airport
2. at the border

Now let me ask anyone (especially lawyers, who're the most misinformed about laws), just how the hell are you supposed to enforce this? at all.

I could get a TN in buffalo, shop around, stay in a motel for the night and go back home to ontario as 'vacation' before i start my job. just how the hell will they enforce this without completely cancelling your TN?

Yes. It is always possible get TN visa without a start date in TN letter and I have done this many times to get TN visa at Buffalo while I drove from Toronto just to get visa and return.

My steps and logic was very simple.

1) Get a job offer
2) Get TN visa
3) Contact US employer to get start date. My employer would not give me a start date without receiving a copy fo TN visa
3) Only after getting TN visa in hand, give my current Canadian employer resignation notice to end service. I needed to ensure confirmed one job in hand before I resign.
4) Decide suitable joining date. Minimize the duration between the two jobs so that you do not lose pay too much.
5) Move to US.