Spouses & TN status

Sam&DaveCanada
New Member



Joined: 07 Jan 2008
Posts: 4

Posted: Mon Jan 07, 2008 5:53 pm

 

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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.
_________________
Thanks,

S&D

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Christopher G. Rizzo, Esq
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 17 Oct 2007
Posts: 284
Location: Red Bank, NJ USA

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2008 7:25 am

 

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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.
_________________
Christopher G. Rizzo, Esq
Special Counsel
Law Offices of David T. Ferrara, LLC
www.naftalawfirm.com
P: (732) 784-2877
Email: Crizzo@naftalawfirm.com

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TNVisaExpert
Moderator


Canadians helping Canadians

Joined: 02 Apr 2007
Posts: 139
Location: San Diego, California

Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 4:26 pm

 

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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!
_________________
TN Visa Expert
Helping Canadians live and work in the U.S. successfully.
Complete TN Visa information and A Step by Step TN Visa Application Kit to obtain your TN Visa.
www.TNVisaExpert.com

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Sam&DaveCanada
New Member



Joined: 07 Jan 2008
Posts: 4

Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 4:34 am

 

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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?
_________________
Thanks,

S&D

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Christopher G. Rizzo, Esq
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 17 Oct 2007
Posts: 284
Location: Red Bank, NJ USA

Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2008 2:05 pm

 

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Some ports allow this, most don't. Buffalo (Peace Bridge) and Alexandria Bay do.
_________________
Christopher G. Rizzo, Esq
Special Counsel
Law Offices of David T. Ferrara, LLC
www.naftalawfirm.com
P: (732) 784-2877
Email: Crizzo@naftalawfirm.com

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Sam&DaveCanada
New Member



Joined: 07 Jan 2008
Posts: 4

Posted: Thu Jan 31, 2008 9:54 am

 

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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?
_________________
Thanks,

S&D

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Christopher G. Rizzo, Esq
CanuckAbroad VIP



Joined: 17 Oct 2007
Posts: 284
Location: Red Bank, NJ USA

Posted: Mon Feb 04, 2008 5:41 pm

 

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Doesn't matter (U.S. stay) and she can cross as soon as she gets it.
_________________
Christopher G. Rizzo, Esq
Special Counsel
Law Offices of David T. Ferrara, LLC
www.naftalawfirm.com
P: (732) 784-2877
Email: Crizzo@naftalawfirm.com

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Sam&DaveCanada
New Member



Joined: 07 Jan 2008
Posts: 4

Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 10:14 am

 

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

S&D

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