If you’re a Canadian professional heading to the U.S. in TN status, the most important part of your application is the TN employer support letter (often called a “border letter”). Canadians typically apply directly with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at a port of entry or airport pre-clearance, and this letter is the core of that application.
This post explains what the letter should include, how it should be formatted, and provides a practical template you can use as a starting point.
What Is a TN Border Letter?
A TN border letter is a formal request from a U.S. employer asking CBP to admit you in TN (USMCA Professional) status. It confirms that:
- you have a qualifying job offer in the U.S.,
- the job fits a profession listed under the USMCA TN category, and
- you have the education and/or licensing required for that profession.
For Canadians, there is no separate consular visa step required in most cases. Instead, you present the letter and supporting documents directly to CBP when you enter the U.S. in TN status.
How the Letter Should Look (Format)
There is no single government form for a Canadian TN application. CBP expects a well-prepared employer letter that is:
- printed on official company letterhead,
- dated and signed by an authorized employer representative (HR, manager, director, owner),
- addressed to CBP or a “CBP Officer / Port of Entry,”
- clear, professional, and typically 1–2 pages.
The goal is to make it easy for the officer to confirm that both the job and the applicant qualify for TN status.
What the Letter Must Include
A strong TN border letter should cover all of the following:
- The Specific TN Profession: The letter should name the TN category exactly as it appears on the USMCA profession list (for example: “Engineer,” “Accountant,” “Computer Systems Analyst,” “Scientific Technician/Technologist”).
- Detailed Job Duties: CBP looks beyond job titles. The letter must describe professional duties in enough detail to show they align with the TN profession.
- Your Qualifications: Your degree(s), major field, and any licenses (if required for the role) should be summarized and tied directly to the TN category.
- Employment Terms – The letter should state:
- duration of employment (start and end date),
- work location(s),
- salary or wage,
- full-time or part-time status,
- who you will report to (recommended).
- Length of Stay & Temporary Intent: TN status is temporary. The letter must request admission for a defined period (up to 3 years per entry) and avoid language suggesting permanent employment.
- Basic Employer Overview: A short paragraph describing the employer’s business, industry, and why your role is needed helps give context.
Sample TN Border Letter Template (Canadians Applying at the Border)
[Company Letterhead]
[Date]U.S. Customs and Border Protection
[Port of Entry / Airport Pre-Clearance Location]RE: Request for TN Admission – [Applicant Full Name], Canadian Citizen
Dear CBP Officer,
This letter confirms our offer of temporary employment to [Applicant Full Name], a citizen of Canada, in the position of [TN Profession Title] with [Company Legal Name]. We respectfully request that CBP admit [Applicant Last Name] to the United States in TN (USMCA Professional) status.
1. Employer and Position
[Company Legal Name] is a [brief description of company, industry, services/products, size] headquartered at [U.S. address]. We require [Applicant Last Name]’s professional services to support [project/department/business need].2. TN Profession Classification
The offered position falls under the USMCA listed profession of [TN Profession Title]. The role requires a professional in this category to perform services at a professional level.3. Detailed Duties
In this position, [Applicant Last Name] will perform the following professional duties:
- [Duty 1] – (specific professional task tied to the TN category)
- [Duty 2]
- [Duty 3]
- [Duty 4]
These duties are consistent with those of a [TN Profession Title] under the USMCA].
4. Applicant Qualifications
[Applicant Last Name] meets the requirements for TN classification. They hold a [degree] in [field] from [institution, country], awarded on [date], and have [X years] of experience in [relevant area]. This education and experience directly relate to the duties described above.5. Terms and Duration of Employment
The employment will be [full-time/part-time] at [worksite address(es)]. The offered compensation is [salary/hourly wage] per [year/hour], with standard company benefits.We request TN admission for [start date] through [end date] (a period of [up to 3 years]). The position is temporary, and [Applicant Last Name] will depart the United States upon completion of the authorized TN period.
If you require additional information, please contact me at [phone/email].
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Name]
[Title]
[Company Legal Name]
[Phone / Email]
*For explanation purposes only. A properly drafted border letter is unique to the position and applicant and cannot be simplified in a template.
Common Mistakes That Cause Problems at the Border
- Vague duties: a short or generic job description that doesn’t match the TN profession.
- Wrong TN category: the duties read like one profession, but the letter claims another.
- No qualification link: the letter doesn’t explain why your degree/licensing fits the job.
- Permanent intent language: words like “permanent,” “indefinite,” or “long-term career.”
- Mismatch across documents: resume, diploma, and letter don’t align.
Bottom Line
For Canadians, the TN border letter is essentially the TN application. A clear, detailed letter on employer letterhead, tightly tied to a USMCA profession and your qualifications, sets you up for a smooth TN process at the border.
If you’d like, we can review and tailor your TN border package before you travel to reduce the risk of delays or refusal.
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
We Can Help!
If you have questions regarding the TN Visa, we invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Please read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
JEREMY L. RICHARDS is the founding partner of Richards and Jurusik and has dedicated his career to U.S. immigration law, with a specialized focus on assisting Canadian and Mexican citizens under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to work and live in the United States. (Full Bio)
