Current processing time for TN?
My employer's lawyers said they apparently recently submitted my TN application to USCIS and that the status is currently pending. They say they have up to 15 days to respond which is exactly when my intended start date is. I will be however entering the US 5 days before my start date to settle in. I'd hate to have to make a round trip back to enter on the TN Visa before working. Does anyone know how long processing times are for the TN for Canadians right now?
I mean, they aren't going to let you enter the country to "settle in" without your TN, unless you lie about your trip (which you should not do.) In any case, TN can be applied for and granted right at the border. Why not just do that? Applying to USCIS can be a little safer but that really only works when you're already in the country on one and are applying for a renewal, since TN is essentially re-adjudicated every time you enter the county by whatever customs agent you get.
Yeah you should wait for your pre approval before entering or settling in.
Your start date will be adjusted based on your visa approval. Start date isnât written in stone. When I joined about 3 years back now, my TN took a long time to get approved. My start date was originally April, I didnât start till August
Jeez that's a 4 month delay. I'm considering just asking if I can apply for one at the border, but I don't know if that will screw things up since I have applied for pre-approval.
Meh, it will just get re-adjudicated at the border anyway. They can take it away any time you enter the country. Always travel with the paperwork you used for your application. IMO applying to USCIS only makes sense for renewals because otherwise at some point you need to actually enter the country which can be like applying from scratch. Not for sure, up to the agent you get.
FYI the border officer can see your pending TN and you can be questioned about it.
I will be travelling with family as well and they have a return fare with them. While I have a single way ticket, I am planning on purchasing a refundable return ticket in case this gets brought up. Do you think that'll be an issue if I just say I'll be exploring NYC with my family as a vacation for now?
You can say you're looking at apartments to live in with the family (bring a few print-outs of listings and open houses) before you start a job later this year. They know about your TN anyway.
In my case, they said it would take 15 business days but I got it in less than 10 days. After TN petition approval they need to mail you the original petition document which you would need to enter US on TN. so keep that time frame in mind. I would keep at least 2 weeks aside for all this. I don't think entering as visitor would be problem but you have to enter US with TN petition document to get TN status. Brace yourself for long general line up. Alternative was just enter without pre-approved work petition which should also not have been a problem but your lawyers already submitted.
What is TN?
Trans national visa - lets you work in US as a Canadian and vv for a time limited period
Omg. For real? Tđrade NđAFTA đ Trans national is a new name. Amazing. đ¤