Original Degree but Copies of Transcript - Crossing Soon

I am to be crossing the boarder at Pearson in the next few days and will be applying for the TN-1 visa. I have everything prepared and was supplied with a letter from my firm's law firm. I've been prepping with the TNVisa Expert package which states that copies of academic records suffice. However, after reading some posts on here, originals seem to be the way to go. I have my original degree but only copies of my transcript and will not be able to get reprinted originals in time. How much of an issue will this be?

There's no way to tell whether this will be an issue or not. I guess it's up to the officer you get. My guess is it'll be fine since you have your original degree, but who knows. It's really best to overly prepared than not enough. I guess worst case scenario is they'll ask you to come back another day with the original transcripts.

It's always best to have originals for everything. When I went to get my TN visa, I had the original transcripts in an envelope sealed from my universities as well as copies for both of my degrees. The CBP officer commented it was nice to see someone so well-prepared In the end, he only took the copies and gave back the originals.

Anyway, go in with a positive attitude.

If you're lucky, lawsrlaws will reply to this and give you an official answer. My answer is only a somewhat educated guess.

Thanks for the advice. I'l make sure to bring my degree in its original envelope. Does bringing your resume and any additional certificates help or annoy them?

-- Thu Aug 20, 2009 1:34 pm --

I forget to ask in the last post. I was in the States for 2 months as a visitor before I ended up getting a job offer. Do they ask about this?

If the Degree is original, it should be fine. depending on the TN class your entering in, the Officer may not even ask for them. As far as the 2 months goes....it probably won't be an issue, but that doesn't make it right. You should be fine as long as you are qualified.

I just came through Calgary for my 3rd TN. Each time I have carried with me (among many other documents):
1. Originals and copies of the transcripts of all my degrees (shows therefore marks, classes and a statement of the degree confirmed with dates).
2. Originals and copies of the actual degree certificates/ parchments

This means that I've had to carry relatively large (and delicate, and important) pieces of paper in an art portfolio just in case I'm asked for the actual degrees rather than the copies. This time, the CBP person advised me that I could simply have certified copies of my degrees so that I wouldn't need to carry the large originals around with me. I still take my official transcripts, as these are easily obtainable from the various universities.

Question: I lost original transcript 15 years ago, and I don't have copies... I have Diploma only, + Credential Evaluation (Bachelor in MATH)

Is it a problem? Computer Systems Analyst

Ordinarily, you should not need transcripts, however you have what is refered to as an "unrelated degree" (as the officer already pointed out).

Then transcripts are useful to prove that while your degree is not computer related, your course load was. So not having a line-by-line translation of your transcipt may be problematic, along with all the other problems you have with your petition.

Are you sure it would not just be simpler to petition for a Math TN? Or better yet, an H1-B?

I don't have any problems with petition.

And,25 years ago, Diploma in MATH:
"They specify the inputs that the system will access, decide how the inputs will be processed, and format the output to meet users’ needs. Analysts use techniques such as structured analysis, data modeling, information engineering, mathematical model building, sampling, and cost accounting to make sure their plans are efficient and complete. "

Yes, I modelled WAR using PL/1, and I estimeted BLACK MARKET using FORTRAN although it was so so so... stupid thing that it was not included in Transcript at all. Of course.

I am to be crossing the boarder at Pearson in the next few days and will be applying for the TN-1 visa. I have everything prepared and was supplied with a letter from my firm's law firm. I've been prepping with the TNVisa Expert package which states that copies of academic records suffice. However, after reading some posts on here, originals seem to be the way to go. I have my original degree but only copies of my transcript and will not be able to get reprinted originals in time. How much of an issue will this be?

It is 'border' not 'boarder'. You would be wise to supply both actual degree and original transcripts since some ports of entry have asked to see both in order to process a TN-1. This would be especially applicable at Pearson PFI where perhaps a greater chance of denial is inherent. Try to get the original transcripts if possible.