less than a week until I move to the us on a TN

Hi Everyone,

I'm new here so I hope I'm posting in the right area...

I'm a Canadian RN, wrote my nclex, have my license, visa screen, job offer, etc...
I'll be flying to NC this weekend and after reading things on this board and other websites..I'm a bit nervous and looking for some advice and clarification..

My last visit to the US was 6 months without a visa. I ended up staying to study for my NCLEX and took the test there. I've returned to MB and have been here for 2 months. Will this cause any conflict when I try to return and obtain a TN visa?

I have also been told by a couple of people that I should have a house or something under my name in Canada to prove I intend on staying in the US only temporarily. I don't have a house or car in my name here in MB!

Although I've got an amazing job waiting for me in NC, a huge reason for my decision to move there is my boyfriend. I'll be living with him upon my return. Will customs officers see this as a problem and think I plan on permanently staying in NC cause that's sooo not the plan!

My letter of hire states the job is for a 3 year period. I have read the TN visa status has been extended from 1 to 3 years and just wanna clarify that this is official cause I had trouble finding it on government websites.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!

-- Mon Sep 07, 2009 12:46 pm --

sorry..i also forgot to ask...

i think i came across a form i can fill out to obtain my SSN with customs as well..? can this be done with the TN Visa?

If not, how long does it take to obtain one from a local office?

My last visit to the US was 6 months without a visa. I ended up staying to study for my NCLEX and took the test there. I've returned to MB and have been here for 2 months. Will this cause any conflict when I try to return and obtain a TN visa?

No

I have also been told by a couple of people that I should have a house or something under my name in Canada to prove I intend on staying in the US only temporarily. I don't have a house or car in my name here in MB!

Those people were wrong. TN (unlike tourist status) only requires that you promise to return to canada when you leave. The POE officer will ascertain your trustworthiness in that regard. The one problem you would face without any fixed address in canada is if your TN is denied (for other technicalities) the officer is unlikley to allow you to enter into US as a tourist, since you don't qualify for entry as tourist -- but if you get TN, no problem. So amke sure your TN docs are in perfect order, otherwise your new sponsor will need to mail you any missing stuff.


TNs are now granted for period of 3 years.

I would avoid discussion about US boyfriend at the border, and he should not be with you, of course. TN process is a business matter, so no and flowers on any of the paperwork, nor discussion of your love life.

Just like to say Congrats on the NCLEX!! I successfully wrote mine at the end of July! I too am a canuck, Bu ti moved down to the USA on a marriage based visa, and started/completed school here. Grew up in Sask. Good luck in North Carolina, had a cousin from Sask, that lived there for awhile, and will leave it at that,lol Lets just say she didnt have a great time,lol Some very backwards people/ideas there, esp when it comes to race--her words, not mine as I have just drove thru the state. Best of luck.

Depends where in NC, but yeah, it's a bit backwards here.

I believe you can fill out the SSN form with your TN but you may just want to go to the SSA office after you arrive to make sure that they get it. It will take about 2 weeks for the USCIS to send the info to the SSA. Sometimes though the paperwork doesn't get from A to B, so you have to check up on them in person.

Thanks so much for the replies, everyone!!! Definitely helped ease my nerves.

I don't plan on mentioning my bf at all but was wondering will the officer ask where I plan to live? I guess that's what I worry about now cause i'll be staying with him and his brother when I get there.

NC is so beautiful but I have, at times noticed stares comin from people even when I walk around with my boyfriend (I'm filipino, he's caucasian). I haven't seen many filipino people here either but I hope I can connect with some once I get settled in..maybe through work?

Not that he will ask, but you will be staying with friends until you get your own place.

Not even NC allows marriage to 2 brothers simulataneously ... anymore.

I downloaded the social security form from the website and dropped it off at the social security office once I got to the US. Took 4 weeks to receive my number (they send it in the mail). Here the link to it.

http://www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.pdf

As for getting your actual TN at the border (or pre-clearance), keep in mind that this web site spells out all the possible scenarios. Kind of like when you go on medication and they spell out ALL the possible side effects lol It's VERY useful to know everything to make an informed decision and be prepared, but things may go differently for you, ie. they may go very well! And if you get grilled, well, you'll know how to answer because you've done your research on what to say and what not to say.

I personally had no information I wanted to "leave out", such as your US boyfriend (but I sure know some former classmates who moved on TN visas specifically for boyfriends and girlfriends and left that out lol). The officer asked me no questions to gauge my immigrant intend (like you, I didnt have a car or anything in my name in Canada either, just my bank accounts and my entire family in Canada) All he asked me was how I got a job in the US living in Toronto.

Be alert and prepared but not overly concerned. Having a positive disposition is always best. Remember you're a nurse, with the proper creditentials so your application is a valid one. Look professional, stay calm and polite at all times and be very cooperative.

And as for interracial couples, yup, welcome to the South. Its not that common here. I never looked twice in Toronto, but after having been here for a while, I've caught myself doing a double take when I see a white and non-white together. Not because it bothers me or I care, but because it's so unusual here. This is the South, it's lovely but the culture is different. I'm sure you'll get used to it. Just ignore people. I wish people would understand you love who you love and that's all there is to it.

Be alert and prepared but not overly concerned. Having a positive disposition is always best. Remember you're a nurse, with the proper creditentials so your application is a valid one. Look professional, stay calm and polite at all times and be very cooperative.

Perfect advice! We need not be apologetic to be coming to US to help them.

My cousin (cdn) was a teacher in North Carolina and was dating a black gentleman. Her principal invited her into his office and highly suggest she not see these gentleman any longer, as they didnt want to give the wrong impression to the students! crazy!!

How did you find the NCLEX compared to the CRNE? My two sisters are RN's back in canada, and they have had friends write the NCLEX and found it challenging. Have a good trip!!