TN visa application at YVR

Hi Everyone,

So happy to see so many canucks helping each other out.

Here's my situation and I hope I can get some of your very valued feedback.

I am Canadian but went to university in the States. Then got a job there for a few years on H1-B before applying for grad school again in the States and graduated with an MBA. I was fortunate to get another job as a Financial Analyst on H1-B soon after, however, after 2 years I was laid off and therefore moved home to Vancouver.

Because of my connections, I was able to find another job in the US again and this time I would like to use the TN visa as an Economist.
I have all my original diplomas and transcripts. I am working with the company's HR and lawyer on drafting the right wording for the employment letter.

My questions are below:

1) has anyone had experiences with YVR? Do the officers there tend ot give people a hard time?

2) Has anyone tried getting the TN visa application and approved by driving to Seattle? if yes what have been your experiences?

3) what information should I put in the employment letter to better my chances of approval?

4) I worry since that I have been working/studying in the US for the past 10 years the officer will come to the conclusion that I am trying to live in the US permanently and deny me right away. Should I bring any proof ties to canada to help?

5) any other advice or caution that you see with my situation, please let me know.

I appreciate your inputs!

Take care everyone,
MGV

Yes, I have got a TN issued and driven to Seattle. I had no issues. Now regarding the length of time you spent in the U.S. should not interfere with your TN application.

Hi MGV,

first off, congratulations on getting a job! With the current state of the economy, it is truly a blessing to be able to find work!

I was wondering if you had any advice for me. here is my situation:

i am currently working as an Economist in Ottawa. I finished my Masters in Economics at McGill 2 years ago. Now I am looking to move to Atlanta because my fiance will be moving there in a couple of months, and I want to go with him.

I have been looking for a job since beginning of february and have had no call backs yet for interviews - although my profile is very good - I have 2 years of work experience, excellent grades (graduated top my class) and being an economist i am eligible for the TN1 visa. So I dont understand why I haven't heard back yet - it's getting very discouraging and frustrating, and our move date is fast approaching - if i dont find a job, I can't risk leaving my current one and be unemployed there for an indefinite time =(

Do you have any advice on how i can better my search? or possibly even know of any placement agencies that would place economists? I haven't been able to find any so far that place people in jobs in my field.

Any help/advice is truly appreciated!

Hi

Here are the answers to your questions:

1. We've had people successfully obtain their TN Visa at the Vancouver airport. See #2 for considerations.

2. We have not heard of any major issues driving across at the Peach Arch crossing. We know of a person who was denied at the Sumas crossing but this was because their application letter was not correctly completed and they were not prepared for the border interview.

Remember, if you are concerned about whether you will get denied, driving across can be slightly cheaper since you can turn around and easily return to Canada. Getting denied at an airport Port of Entry means you could be out the cost of the ticket.

3. The employer letter needs to contain the essential information explaining to the Immigration how you and the job qualifies for the TN, the, the length of the TN terms and your request for a TN. See the following page for more details:
http://www.tnvisaexpert.com/overview/tn ... uirements/

4. Definitely a cause for concern, but you should be ok. The most important aspect to convey is that you have ties to Canada. You having returned to Canada and were living there until you found a job. Having family, bank accounts etc. in Canada shows this. Also remember to confidently respond to the Officer's questions and that you love Canada and are planning to return at the end of this TN term.

5. Good luck, relax and enjoy - you'll do great !