TN Visas - valid documentation...

[Nickaex]

Hi,
I am about to apply for a TN visa but I want to be sure to have everything in order before going. the requirements list that I find around the web is somehow not that clear.

1. do you need all original documents or photocopies are ok?


2. 3 years of experience requirement - how do you prove this experience? - tax forms? simple letter from previous employer?

3. if I have an offer from an employer for a short period (1-3 months), with possibility of extension. do i need go back to canada after 3 months? or the TN is good for 12 months and I can stay as long as its not expired?

4.how do you know your school (diploma) is certified? ( i attended a private school and been told told that my diploma may not be valid)

[Nickaex]

Also, does the job has to be full time? because , there is a couple of months in these 3 years where I was part-time

[Doodie]

I recommend originals as much as possible. I had my bachelors degree laminated and brought it with me. They want originals! As far as the years of experience, full time is preferable. All I had to prove my work experience was a resume. I think what they really look for is the letter of employment with:
- dates of first and last day of work, max 1 year
- address of work
- salary
- duties: and the duties MUST meet the official governmental job descriptions, this aspect is pretty important

The TN will last as long as your contract. So if you have a 3-month contract, that is how long your TN will be approved for. If they renew your work they can file I believe the I-129 to extend your TN and this can be done from the US without having to leave the country. Good luck!

[klmacdo2]

Hi, I have a few questions that I hope someone may be able to answer.
I have an interview for a job in Florida. I currently live in Ontario, however, the job is for a Marine Biology position and I have my BSc in Marine Biology and I am very interested in the job.
When I looked into the TN visa, it seems to be the TN-1 status is what I am looking to get. Does this seem correct, and is it really as easy as having the proper identification (which I am not 100% sure what is required) and crossing the border???
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks

[Steven]

Pretty obscure category to apply in, very rare indeed I suspect but I would have thought you could get TN-1 as an "animal scientist". The FAM says basically you need a bachelor's degree in a related field which clearly you have. So the job offer letter needs to say: "animal scientist".

There's more to it than just ID, you need proof of your qualifications and the most important bit is the job offer letter which must explain what the job is, why they need you and why someone with your qualifications fits the job and most importantly that it is a temporary job with an end date of a maximum of three years from the application date.

There's no particular reason why it can't be re-granted in the future, but the law requires TN-1 entries to be "temporary". If at any point CBP think you don't have non-immigrant intent (and this includes leaving and re-entering after the status has been granted) they can refuse entry.

Contrary to popular belief you do not need an abode in Canada to prove the entry is temporary, but it's helpful to have some sort of evidence.

Have a read of the regulations, 8 CFR 214.6

It is lawful to enter as a B-1 visitor to attend a specific pre-arranged job interview because that is a "business meeting". It is NOT legal to enter to look for work, so be careful what you say when you go down for the interview.

[Janet W]

Regarding the comment - bring originals as much as possible, does this mean everytime you enter the US during the period the TN status is granted you need to bring your originals of everything? Or once you get the status, would copies do? My degree is framed and heavy and it would be a bit of a hassle to bring it everytime I crossed the border.

Also, as I understand it, if you have a letter from your employer saying the job is for 3 years you should be able to get a 3 year TN visa. The 1 year to 3 year period was changed in late 2008 I believe.

[Steven]

Regarding the comment - bring originals as much as possible, does this mean everytime you enter the US during the period the TN status is granted you need to bring your originals of everything? Or once you get the status, would copies do? My degree is framed and heavy and it would be a bit of a hassle to bring it everytime I crossed the border.

Once you have the status, all you need is your passport or NEXUS card and the I-94 which is stamped: "TN-1 multiple entry". You only need the other documentation when you apply for the status.

Also, as I understand it, if you have a letter from your employer saying the job is for 3 years you should be able to get a 3 year TN visa. The 1 year to 3 year period was changed in late 2008 I believe.

Yep, as I mentioned above.