When a Canadian is seeking a professional job in the United States, it becomes a major decision to apply for a TN Visa at the Canada and United States border. S. border. This is quite complex because the stakes are enormous should it not turn out well. Of course, there are ways to maximize one’s chances and minimize the risk that his or her application might be refused. As long as the applicant reads all of the requirements for a TN visa carefully, and undertakes the effort of collecting it, that should spare him or her unnecessary headaches to Avoid TN Visa Denial.
Determining Your TN Visa Admissibility
One important point to grasp is that, before you go to apply for your TN status, your skills must match a qualifying position, regulated by NAFTA, and you must be qualified for that position to work in the US.
This is because many reasons for refusal of a visa are because the documents supporting visa requisites are not sufficient. Therefore, it is important to submit clear and detailed evidence of your experience, credentials, and educational and employment records from the employer who is placing you. It is recommended, however, that one should first assess the admissibility to the United States to determine possible barriers to entry.
Compiling Essential Documentation
Once you have established your admissibility for TN status, and identified and resolved any issues with your admissibility, the next step is to gather the documents you will be submitting for your TN application. These documents are crucial since they will be subject to scrutiny by CBP officers at the US and Canada border.
This is because most applicants apply for the visa without reviewing the documents their employer or legal representative is preparing for them, and simply sign them based on apparent similarities with other documents. Anyone who tries to enter the United States using this visa should go through the documents while someone explains their contents. If the point is not clear, the best way is to ask the employer or legal professional for advice.
Don’t Forget Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination: From January 22, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security has made it mandatory for all individuals arriving at the United States through land ports and ferry terminals on the U.S.-Mexico or the U.S.-Canada border to be fully vaccinated for Covid-19 and should be willing to present the proof of vaccination if and when demanded.
Selecting Your U.S. Entry Point: to Avoid TN Visa Denial
It is very important that you carefully choose the U.S. entry that you will use when you apply for the TN visa. It is crucial to understand where it is good to be depending on your travel and work plans. Some of the measures include pre-flight clearance or designated U.S. land ports of entry.
There is always a concern that there may be differences in the review of applications depending on the particular port of entry chosen. However, there is no evidence supporting such concerns. US Customs and Border Protection has done its best to maintain the consistency and thoroughness of the TN applications review process at all ports.
Aligning Your Application with the TN Eligibility Checklist
CBP introduced the TN eligibility checklist in 2014 which has greatly improved the organization and the overall process of applying at the border. This checklist is thus a helpful tool that helps break the interview process down into manageable steps and guidelines.
As per the CBP checklist, a TN applicant at the U. S. /Canada border should be prepared to provide the following to the CBP officer:
Proof of Canadian Citizenship: Usually in the form of your passport or any other identification documentation that you may have.
Employment Offer Letter: The contents of the letter should be written on the company letterhead and it needs to be signed by an authorized representative with details of your job description, salary, benefits, and duration of employment included.
Documentation of Qualifications: This includes a diploma, certification, or any other document that shows the experience desired for the particular position.
Information About Dependents: For family members joining you in your application for TD status, you are required to produce documents that show the relationship between you and your family members such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or adoption papers and if they are in any language other than English, then a translation is required.
Whenever possible, carry original copies of your education and experience documentation, as CBP reserves the right to request these. If you’ve received a waiver of inadmissibility from U.S. immigration authorities, ensure you have documentation to prove this.
Document Requirements for Dependents to Avoid TN Visa Denial
If your spouse and children are applying for TD visas as dependents, it’s crucial to bring documents demonstrating their relationship to you and their Canadian citizenship, typically in the form of passports. Supporting documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or adoption records should also be included, along with English translations if applicable.
If your family members intend to apply for TD visas separately after your TN status is approved, they should carry original documents indicating their relationship to you, proof of your TN visa stamp and I-94 showing your TN admission, and evidence that you are maintaining your TN status, such as your most recent pay stubs or an employment verification letter signed by your employer.
Post-Approval Procedures to Avoid TN Visa Denial
Upon successful approval of your TN application by the CBP officer, certain procedures follow:
If you enter the U.S. via a land border, you will receive a paper Form I-94. Verify the accuracy of the expiration date before proceeding into the U.S. and request any necessary corrections immediately to prevent issues later.
If you are approved at an airport preclearance location, you will receive an electronic Form I-94, accessible only online. It’s crucial to check the accuracy of the dates listed on the Form I-94 promptly. In case of errors, schedule an appointment at the nearest CBP deferred inspection site to rectify the Form I-94 as soon as possible.
In conclusion, securing a TN visa at the Canada/U.S. border demands meticulous preparation and attention to detail. By understanding the eligibility criteria, compiling comprehensive documentation, and adhering to the TN eligibility checklist, you can navigate this process smoothly and increase your chances of a successful application. Remember that each application is unique, and seeking legal guidance for complex immigration matters is advisable to ensure a seamless process.
