TN application documentation - what exactly do I need?

I found a list of documentations I would need to bring to the POE in order to enter the US under TN status

Some of these things are not totally clear and I just wanted to get some clarification on what exactly I would need from people who have gone through the experience before.


- Request for admission under TN status to Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, U.S. immigration officer;

Does this just mean that I would tell the immigration officer at the POE that I would like to enter the US under TN status?

- Employment Letter - Evidence of professional employment.

What are the requirements for this? Does this need to be printed on the company's letterhead, or be signed by anyone specific from the company, etc?


- Proof of professional qualifications, such as transcripts of grades, licenses, certificates, degrees, and/or records of previous employment;

Does this need to be original copy? is photocopy is okay? I just need a transcript? do I to show the diploma as well?

- Proof of ability to meet applicable license requirements;
what does this mean?

- Proof of Canadian citizenship
ok this one is pretty straightforward


- Fee of U.S. $50

Do they only take cash or cheques or credit card?




thanks much,
Ethan

I'm sure that if you would've researched on the Internet after posting the question, you would've got the answer; still below are my comments;

>- Request for admission under TN status to Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, U.S. immigration officer;
>Does this just mean that I would tell the immigration officer at the POE that I would like to enter the US under TN status?

Yes, to both the statements. You should have a letter for the 1st statement, and must also verbally tell the same at the border /airport.


>- Employment Letter - Evidence of professional employment.
>What are the requirements for this? Does this need to be printed on the company's letterhead, or be signed by anyone specific from the company, etc?

Don't get me wrong, but if you are being hired by any professional company, they would know what to do here - I mean how to print and sign this.
However, and this is purely my own personal view point, if you are self-employed and the hiring company has signed a contract with you, then you may not have a company letterhead; then who signs that letter; I've no clue here; sorry.


>- Proof of professional qualifications, such as transcripts of grades, licenses, certificates, degrees, and/or records of previous employment;
>Does this need to be original copy? is photocopy is okay? I just need a transcript? do I to show the diploma as well?
All documents, and in original only; and for education that was done outside of US or Canada then get that evaluated also; plus photocopies of all of them.


>- Proof of ability to meet applicable license requirements;
>what does this mean?
If your profession requires a license, then you must meet that also; is me response clear enough?

>- Proof of Canadian citizenship
>ok this one is pretty straightforward
Just to ensure, use passport and not birth certificate or citizenship document.

>- Fee of U.S. $50
>Do they only take cash or cheques or credit card?
Cash - for sure; cheques - no; credit card - unsure. My advice - run down to a bank and get cash US$50.
Since you've indicated $50, you must be flying into the US.

Remember having the correct documentation doesn't guarantee that you'll obtain the TN Visa. We tell people that just because you qualify doesn't mean you'll be approved.

Here are some things to be prepared with to have you be successful:
- ensure you have the proper documentation
- ensure you employer/application letter contains all the correct information
- ensure you have photocopies
- ensure you are prepared for the border interview

Know this: The Immigration Officer's first concern is to protect his country and if he has any reason to doubt your case, you will be rejected.

Read the following "Must read articles" to assist you in being successful.
http://www.tnvisaexpert.com/resources/m ... _articles/

Finally, this isn't a difficult visa to obtain if you're prepared.

Good Luck!

Our experience…

Yes, show up with all of the documentation and state that you’re there to apply for entry with TN status. Our request is also stated in the letter from the employer.

Our experience re letter…
The employment letter, or TN request letter from the employer is extremely important. We were denied once because one was not on letterhead, and again because the job description was not extensive enough. There are great sample TN letters out on the Internet. Overkill or not, we’ve been successful with many letters making sure to follow this list… letterhead, signed original, job title exactly as shown on TN list, blurb tying requirements to our education and experience, blurb about the company, job description that suits the TN category and, VERY important, start and end dates that are not longer than one year. It’s my understanding that a copy is acceptable if it has a fax header at the top, but we always get the company to send two signed originals overnight just to be sure. They’re usually signed by HR or the IT manager (in our case) and include a name and contact phone number.

Our experience re diploma…
With regards to the diploma, it depends on the POE and the individual agent. A co-worker got turned away in Laredo for only having a copy of his diploma. Many times, they’ve looked at the original, and then asked if we also have a copy. We take the copy to preserve the original and not have it running through their copy machine. They have never been interested in seeing the transcript and I don’t know if that’s enough or not. Depending on the job type, and diploma type, you may also need signed originals from past companies to prove your work experience.

Some jobs require a license. Nursing comes to mind. Computer Systems Analyst for example, does not require a license. You’ll know if your job type requires licensing and if it does, that’s what they’re asking for.

It seems to me that there are a couple ways to pay, but we always take cash.

Basically, we do all that we can to make their job effortless and every one since the first one has gone very smoothly. We've got everything organized in a binder now, safe and ready to go.

I want to ask something with regards to TN employers letter. I currently obtained a Vermont license RN and I want to know if in that letter would state " she has a Vermont license for RN and is able to endorse her license to the state of Illinois providing that she has a SSN. or simply just she has passed the NCLEX exam for RN and is able to be licensed as a RN in the state of Illinois".
I would like to emphasize this since I got my VT license through NCLEX endorsement to VT prior to expiration. This is only applicable for Nurses only and as I said, you can get a license in this state without SSN as long as you have passed NCLEX.
In short, I want your opinion if it is good to say she has VT license since CBP might wonder how come I got VT license? I hope you get my point here. I have all the information they needed if CBP will ask me, what do you think? Thanks

There is another thread that states that the license is not needed to get the TN, if you can prove that you will or are about to get it. The NCLEX is done, and that is what matters.

It is not up to the TN letter or the employer to state your qualifictaions in the TN letter; all it should state is the job descriptions and the requirements. YOU provide the qualification and documents when you show up at the border.

Just to let everyone know, I applied today at the Peace Bridge, and after the first terrible experience I had with just questions about TN Visa, last month.,,,Today was altogether different. The officer I had was so pleasant, so helpful, so professional, I was taken away...
But I must say, the experience was still somewhat stressful, but wow, it was alright.
One thing to add, and that is if your spouse is with you, when application is being made, dont forget your Marriage Certificate.
Your spouse will be your dependent and they need proof of Marriage
Hope this helps someone

Congrats!!!

sorry your first application was stressful, but it all paid off I see! Good luck to you and hopefully your spouse enjoys it too.

I am just wondering of how important the letter which has a beginning/starting date and ending period of work. My letter states like this (....employ for a temporary three year period in our facility in the TN-1 classification beginning November 1, 2009 and ending October 30, 2012) Or just simply state.... a temporary three period after she enters the United States for TN visa. please any idea?