TN application and returning to Canada

Hello
my question is,,,,if I apply for a TN Visa as a Registered Nurse
and want to fly home for Christmas is that allowed?? or do you have to remain in the US...for the length of the Visa.??
My job is to start on Nov. 9th, 2009 and I want to apply 30 days before, just in case my documentation is not complete, and then I still have 3 weeks or so, to get the right documentation that the crossing gaurds requires
Hopefully someone can help me with these 2 questions.
Thankyou
B

The TN is multiple entry by definition and you are allowed to cross over as many times as you like on your existing, valid I-94. If they do not stamp your I-94 "Multiple Entry" when you obtain your TN, they may forget to do so.

Your start date really should be close to the day you go to the border to apply for TN Status. Otherwise you give CBP any reason to deny you.

Even if your petitioning letter had a technical glitch and needed correcting after being refused, it would not take 3 weeks to do this, probably within hours or perhaps a day.

I presume you have done all the required licensing tests for nursing (NCLEX)?

Yes, I have done all the testing, NCLEX , CGFNS,( Visa Screen)
BUT,,,,,Florida board of Nursing will not issue a license, only a letter stating that a license will be issued once a SSN is obtained and sent to them. SS will not issue a SSN without a Work Visa....
Homeland Security will not issue a work visa, without a Florida license and i feel like I am in a catch 22.
So not sure if a letter from the Florida BON, stating a temporary license is sufficient for the Border Gaurds
Need Help
B

-- Thu Sep 17, 2009 10:09 pm --

Adding another question to this thread.....????
Can anyone tell me when applying at the Buffalo crossing, do I apply on the Canadian side, or go across to the US side, to make application for the TN Visa and if so ...is there a better crossing such as Rainbow, or Peace Crossing.
Any replys will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely
B

The letter will have to do.

You apply for TN on the US side. Be prepared to be rejected, not necessarily for paperwork, but because you are too early. if this is the case, have them review your paperwork so that you will be ready when they fianlly do allow you entry on TN, closer to your start date.

Adding another question to this thread.....????
Can anyone tell me when applying at the Buffalo crossing, do I apply on the Canadian side, or go across to the US side, to make application for the TN Visa and if so ...is there a better crossing such as Rainbow, or Peace Crossing.
Any replys will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely
B

Remember, the TN is an actual immigration status, and the term 'visa' in context of the U.S. immigration language is actually a slang term. You only have "immigration status" in the U.S. for most purposes at any particular moment.

The Free Trade Officer at Buffalo has changed and it seems to be a reasonable POE from what I have heard. Rainbow Bridge at Niagara Falls seems pretty tough from the stories on here and in the newspapers. I suspect the Peace Bridge at Buffalo might be the best choice.

The TN is multiple entry by definition and you are allowed to cross over as many times as you like on your existing, valid I-94. If they do not stamp your I-94 "Multiple Entry" when you obtain your TN, they may forget to do so.

Your start date really should be close to the day you go to the border to apply for TN Status. Otherwise you give CBP any reason to deny you.

Even if your petitioning letter had a technical glitch and needed correcting after being refused, it would not take 3 weeks to do this, probably within hours or perhaps a day.

Can you explain to me what a I-94 is...do I apply for this prior to going to the border, or is this something that is applied for at the Border??

The I-94 is a document we issue you when we authorize your TN. It is a small white card that we staple in your Passport. Do not apply until two weeks before your start date to avoid problems. An RN is the easiest TN we do. Your either an RN or your not. With the CGFNS we will not require the Florida license, because we know you first need the TN to get it. Don't worry so much, and relax. We very rarly see problems with RN's.

Oh, and apply Mon-Fri 8-4pm as it is better for the Officer to contact your employer if need be.

The I-94 is a document we issue you when we authorize your TN. It is a small white card that we staple in your Passport. Do not apply until two weeks before your start date to avoid problems. An RN is the easiest TN we do. Your either an RN or your not. With the CGFNS we will not require the Florida license, because we know you first need the TN to get it. Don't worry so much, and relax. We very rarly see problems with RN's.

Oh, and apply Mon-Fri 8-4pm as it is better for the Officer to contact your employer if need be.

I was just at the Peace Bridge, Buffalo side today, and they would not even look at my documentation to see if it is correct for the date that I do want to apply for the TN Visa..they said come back when your ready...but if the documentation is wrong,,then there is another delay..and this OFFICER said I need my Florida License before application would be granted. and as you can see by the previous notes I have posted....I seem to be either in a Catch 22,,,or I am really paranoid about making application and being denied.
Thank you
B

Buffalo port of entry probably processes many TN applications every week so that is understandable they did not want to examine it, it is more work for them. They might not want you to know either if there was a problem, some of them anyway. At least they gave you a hint of what you might require when you go to apply, i.e. Florida License.