TN questions

[mimmy]

I am researching the TN visa and I think I qualify for the technical publications writer. I Have a few questions I hope someone can answer.

Can anyone that has obtained the TN visa under this category have any suggestions to make the process easier?
All the information on the length of stay is stating one year, I recently new information with the length of stay 3 years as of October 16, 2008, is this correct?
I am in BC and am wondering how obtaining the TN process was for them.
Can I drive my Canadian car across?
I have two children I will be bringing with me, can I go for my appointment and then turn around and pick them up and our belongings?
Also any suggestions on bringing our furniture belongings with us?

Thank you

[Steven]

You can get TN-1 for up to three years at a stretch now. Your children can come with you or you can go back and fetch them. TD is pretty easy so you might as well do it all in one go.

For TN-1 you have to have "bona fide non-immigrant intent" which basically means you have to maintain residential ties to Canada, so they basically expect you to drive your car across (and return in it at some point) at a land border. Under US law if you keep your car in the US for more than a year you have to formally import it, register it, etc. Under State law in the State where you're going they may force you to do it earlier than that, you need to check with the DMV.

Furniture, etc. is simple, you just prepare a packing list and bring it across. If it's unaccompanied you use CBP Form 3299 but the removals company should help you with that.

[mimmy]

Thank you for your reply.
Can I get the TD for my kids if they are not there or do they have to be present, I don't think they would have the patients to sit still that long. Also does anyone know what documents are required for my children other than birth certificates?
What kind of health insurance should I get any advice?
Also any suggestions or someones experience on applying for TN in BC?

[MC]

I am researching the TN visa and I think I qualify for the technical publications writer. I Have a few questions I hope someone can answer.

Can anyone that has obtained the TN visa under this category have any suggestions to make the process easier?

I would just make sure you are admissible with the particular degree that you have. The West Coast crossings such as Vancouver PFI, Blaine Truck Crossing, etc. have a history of denying TN's that are not quite right. Your academic transcript should reflect the DOT for a Technical Writer preferably with many writing and humanities courses. My BS is in IT but I can also be admitted as a Technical Writer since the program was comprised of several humanities and writing courses.

[Steven]

Thank you for your reply.
Can I get the TD for my kids if they are not there or do they have to be present, I don't think they would have the patients to sit still that long. Also does anyone know what documents are required for my children other than birth certificates?
What kind of health insurance should I get any advice?
Also any suggestions or someones experience on applying for TN in BC?

Hmm, that's a good question, I'd suggest your best bet would be to phone up the POE and ask them. Certainly if they weren't Canadian citizens and you actually needed visas for them they don't need to appear in person at the consulate, not sure if it applies to people applying at a POE because you're actually asking to enter the US at that point. I have a feeling it has to be in person because your intention for being at a POE is to actually enter the US, even if you're going to a U-turn and come straight back.

All you need to get TD is proof of the relationship, so birth certificate is sufficient unless they're adopted.

My advice on health insurance is to use travel insurance until your employer's plan kicks in (if they have one that's worth a damn). Also depends on how long you plan on being in the US, if you maintain residential ties to Canada (which you have to in TN-1 anyway) and file a non-resident tax return in the US it's pretty hard for them to tell that you don't live in BC, although the law says you have to be physically present for at least six months a year to qualify for it.

There are various horror stories on here from people applying for TN-1 at the Peach Arch, but then there are various horror stories on here about every POE, doesn't really tell you much. I get the impression that BC is about average. Luck of the draw really, just make sure you have a good employment letter and all the supporting documentation.