Can you apply for TN status months in advance?

I am looking to apply for TN status to enter the US in June for a 2 month internship as a research assistant. But, in case I am denied, I wanted to make sure I still had time to apply for the J-1 visa. Is it possible to go in February, get TN status and then not enter the US until June? Or do I have to have the immediate intention of crossing the border when I apply?

Thanks

Usually you can apply for the TN one to two weeks before the start date.

If you qualify for the TN, you shouldn't have any problems.

Ensure your documentation is complete, you've written the letter correctly and you're prepared for the border interview.

Here are some articles to help you:
Common TN Visa Mistakes to Avoid
How to Write a Great TN Visa Application Letter

Good Luck!

Buffalo (Peace Bridge) allows you to get it one month in advance.

The Peace Bridge is a decent port of entry. The Free Trade Officer (Sam Tiranno) has quite a sophisticated knowledge of U.S. immigration, but he's a bit conservative, especially with management consultants. He treats Canadian applicants with respect, which is a rare thing these days.

hi chris rizzo,

i have read on your site that the free trade officer in buffalo is retiring? is this true? do you know if Sam Tiranno is still available at the peace bridge port of entry?
Also, what hours and days of the week are free trade officers available to approve TN Status?

i will be applying for TN status later this week.
thank you!

He was rumored to retire last year, but he's still there. He works M,T,W,F 9-4pm.

hi chris rizzo,
i was also wondering if each port of entry only has one officer who deals with TN status requests? i had called Buffalo's Peace Bridge today and they had informed me that their officers are available 24 hours a day.
any goods or bads about other officers at the Peace Bridge?
i just hope i don't have a bad experience since i am moving down with a truck of my stuff!

Not all of the ports have a free trade officer. Peace bridge needs one because its so big. Its not advisable to go to a port other than M-F during business hours, that's when the most experienced officers are there.