Spouses & TN status

Hello,

I have three main questions:

1. I will be applying for TN Status shortly under the "management consultant" status. Will the interviewer at the border ask direct questions about my qualifications? What kind of questions? I have a Bachelor of Business Admin. from a Canadian university and about two years experience, off and on, as a consultant in a couple of fields; but not directly related to the job I will be doing.

2. My wife is not a Canadian citizen, but a permanent resident in Canada. I have read that she needs to apply for TD status at an American Consulate before going to the border. Can she do this before I am granted TN Status, or will she have to wait until I cross the border successfully and then apply? (I'm just not sure of the process in this case) And does her country of origin have any impact (she's from mainland China)?

3. I intend to drive to the US when I apply. Is this preferable to flying or taking a boat crossing? Is there a preferred time of day to do this?

Any help is appreciated.

Your wife, since she's a Canadian landed immigrant, needs a TD visa. She cannot apply for the visa at the Consulate until you obtain your TN status, since the TD is a derivative status of the TN. She needs to make an appointment with the Consulate and take a copy of your new I-94 card to obtain the TD.

A couple advantages to driving across the border and applying for your TN Visa is:
1. If you get denied you have not lost money on your airline ticket.

2. When you drive across you do not have time restrictions with your flight etc - so if an officer is taking longer you are not worried about missing your flight. You have more flexibility.

The may or may not affect your decision whether to fly or drive just a couple of points to be aware of.

Also if you are driving, you can drive into a small town find a Social Security Office and apply for your social security card getting this process started. Sometimes in larger cities, the line ups can be long.

Finally, here is an article that may be of assistance to you:
TN Visa for Management Consultants

Good Luck!

If my wife has to wait for me to get my I-94 card can I simply go to the border, get my TN Status (and thus my card) and just return to Canada the same day?

Some ports allow this, most don't. Buffalo (Peace Bridge) and Alexandria Bay do.

Is there a (suggested) certain amount of days I need to stay in the US before I return to Canada? Can my wife cross the border on her own after she recieves her TD visa?

Doesn't matter (U.S. stay) and she can cross as soon as she gets it.

Thanks everyone for all the tips and info. This has been a great forum.