We are often approached by individuals that have been denied entry into the United States under TN visa status due to flaws in their application. Although many denials can be overcome, it is best to be properly prepared before seeking to obtain TN visa status.
Applying for TN Visa status can be a complex process that if not handled properly can lead to a denial or even potential bars upon entry to the United States. Here’s how to avoid the six most common TN Visa application mistakes before seeking entry into the United States under TN Visa status.
1. Get a degree evaluation.
If you obtained your academic degree outside of the United States or Canada, you must first obtain an evaluation of your degree to determine its equivalence to a US degree. (You can get one from Silvergate Evaluations.) If you do not obtain a degree evaluation you could be denied entry into the United States and asked to obtain an evaluation before re-applying.
2. Carry a valid passport valid for the duration of your requested TN Visa.
TN Visa status can only be issued for as long as your passport is valid. If you are seeking entry for a three (3) year period, your passport must be valid for at least three (3) years.
3. Carry original proof of your academic degree.
You must carry the original copy of your academic degree, official transcripts, or other valid proof of your academic degree. If you do not have original proof of your academic degrees, you could be denied entry into the United States and asked to re-apply with original proof of your degree.
4. Get proper proof of experience.
For certain TN Visa professions that require experience, it is necessary to provide proof of your experience. The most common way to prove experience is through letters from former or current employers. A résumé or CV is not sufficient proof of previous experience. If you do not have proof of your experience, you could be denied entry into the United States and asked to re-apply with acceptable proof of your experience.
5. Carry proof of nonimmigrant “intent to depart.”
In order to be admitted to TN Visa status, you must be prepared to show your permanent ties to Canada and your intentions to maintain and return to Canada upon completion of your temporary stay in TN visa status. If you are unable to show your nonimmigrant intent, you could be denied entry.
6. Bring original support and/or an offer letter from your employer.
One of the main pieces of a TN Visa application is the employer support and/or offer letter. In order to obtain TN Visa status, you must have an original copy of your employer’s letter printed on official company letterhead, with employer contact information and contain sufficient detail about the position offered, job duties, and terms of employment. If you do not have an original copy of the letter, or the letter is not written properly, you could be denied entry.
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Don’t know where to start? The best way to avoid mistakes when applying for a TN Visa is to hire an experienced TN Visa lawyer. The TN Visa lawyers at Richards and Jurusik Immigration Law have hundreds of 5-star client reviews and more than 20 years of experience helping TN Visa applications avoid common mistakes and avoid denials. We always start with a case assessment and offer several levels of TN Visa legal services to fit your needs.
