URGENT HELP NEEDED! TN Visa - Crossing back over

For some reason (likely reading too many web forums) I was under the impression that I could apply up to 2 weeks beforehand for my TN visa. i went to the border today hoping to turn around and come back tonight and leave over the weekend for work starting next week. There were a few personal strategic reasons for this, which are irrelevant at this point.

I was turned away, saying that i could only apply while "on my way" to my job. My question is this: Is it possible to get your TN Visa and then COME BACK to Canada within the same day? what are the potential consequences? Will Canada be miffed? Will the USA be miffed upon re-entry?

many thanks for your time in responding!
phil.

to clarify the question: is it possible to go down, say you're on your way to work (acquire TN - fingers crossed) spend some time south of the border and then return to Canada later that day (or the next?) without any consequence?

Canada wouldn't care a whit. The problem is getting US officials to give you your TN if your job isn't actually starting yet. If your letter of offer says your job starts on June 1, and you're trying to get your visa now, it is unlikely they'll approve it. If it says your job starts tomorrow, then yeah, they'll approve it (if everything else is in order).

Remember if your contract at your job is for one year, and if you get your visa 2 weeks before your contract actually starts, it'll expire before your contract does.

Yes, you can do that. I went to Niagara, got my TN and spent some time in Buffalo then came back to Toronto on same day. next week flew from Pearson airport to Dallas,TX. no body asked me anything. Its all your luck, if the officer is old enough, he'll give you hard time, otherwise good to go.

thanks all. i was successful with both the TN and getting back into Canada without hassle. I spent a few hours south so it looked like i was effectively working for the day; an excuse that wasn't necessary upon re-entry into Canada.

good times.

Some Ports allow you to go back to Canada for up to 30 days.

I never list start dates on TN letters since this causes problems. CBP will accept a one year period statement.

I have a Question, I need to renew my TN Visa.all my letters and contracts say June 30, but I have had a death in the family and are traveling a week earlier, Is this going to be a problem?