Bye Bye Beaver Bucks! Canadian IT Professionals crossing the border

By Catherine Creary

ccreary@OutlookExchange.com

Want to start using your Canadian IT credentials to earn American greenbacks?  Great!  But chances are you don’t know where to begin.  Read on and find out.

Over the past several years, the stream of Canadians moving to the United States has become a flood.  The numbers increase faster than statistics can keep up with, for several reasons.  The need for IT professionals south of the border shows no signs of slowing down, and, thanks to NAFTA, it’s easier than ever for Canadians to obtain a US work permit.

Okay, so before you pack your bags or pick what city you want to live in, you’re going to need a Trade NAFTA Professional Permit, also known as a TN-1.  Just what is a TN-1, where do you apply for one, and what are the requirements to be eligible?  

Let’s answer these and all your other questions, separately.

What is a TN-1 permit?

The TN-1 is officially classified as an I-94 work authorization card.  When attached to your passport, this slip of paper enables you to travel from Canada to the US freely for employment purposes.

How do I get a TN-1?

You may apply for TN-1 visa status at any border crossing, International Airport or other US Port of Entry.  The process is quick (it took me about twenty minutes) so long as you have all the required items listed below.

The initial duration of the visa is one year, but that’s not the disadvantage it appears to be at first glance.  You can still work for a company as you would at home, provided you renew your permit annually – something you can do by mail.

What are the requirements for TN-1 Visa Status?

The TN-1 permit, in contrast to the popular H1-B visa, is available only to Canadian citizens, and is the quickest and easiest of the work permits.  It’s available to Canadians who have a bachelor’s-level degree or a two-year, post-secondary diploma with an additional three years of work experience, and a job offer that fits the requirements of the TN-1 Visa DOT Descriptions for US Business Immigration Applications.

Getting that job offer is half the battle, but obtaining the visa itself can be a breeze - if you’re prepared.

I meet all the requirements and have my job offer.  Now what?

Congratulations!  Now that you’ve met the requirements, the next step is proving to the Port of Entry INS agents that you are indeed worthy of TN-1 status.

How do you do this?  In a word, “documentation.”  You’ll need the following:

1)      Original University Degree of Diploma (take the picture frame with the degree if you have to)

2)      Exactly $56 US cash.  They won’t take a check or credit card - and they won’t make change.

3)      Offer letter from prospective employer stating start date, length of employment, job title and duties.

4)      Resume.  (Shows your professional status and past work experience.)

5)      Canadian Passport (recommended) or Birth Certificate.

6)      Letters of recommendation from past employers and work history to prove experience.

By the way, your industry certifications (e.g.  MCSE, CNE) are not recognized by the Free Trade agreement, so they cannot be used to prove that you are qualified for TN-1 status.

This sounds awfully complicated.  Should I be worried?

Not at all!  Once you arrive at the Port of Entry with your documentation in hand, a nervous smile on your face, and beads of sweat forming above your upper lip, it’s time to RELAX!  If you have the proper documentation and a legitimate job offer, you should have nothing to worry about.   

But just to calm any lingering jitters, here are a few more helpful hints:

1)   Dress professionally.  Business suits for ladies, suit and tie for gentlemen.

2)      Do not offer more information than necessary.  For instance, don’t tell the agent you hope to marry a rich American and live happily ever after in the land of plenty! You are applying for a one-year visa.  Simply answer the questions that you are asked.

3)      Make sure you have multiple copies of each document required for visa application.  The agent may ask to retain your offer letter so make sure you have a backup copy for your records.

4)      Carry all documents in a briefcase of business folder.  There is nothing more unprofessional looking than someone who is searching through a loose pile of papers for the appropriate document.

5)      Be very pleasant at all times and if you are denied the visa, ask for the specific reason for denial.  If the reason is ‘lacking certain documentation’, ask if you can re-apply with the missing information as soon as possible.  Do NOT express and anger or hostility towards the INS agents upon receiving a denial.  It’s scary to think what would happen next time you apply if you blow your top now.

If, upon review of all documentation and completion of a background check (if you have a criminal record, your application most definitely will be denied), you are approved for TN-1 Visa status, the INS agent will present you with your Canadian passport and I-94 work authorization card stamped and signed and ready for use.

The next and final step:  Make sure your employer knows you’ve have been approved, and that your suitcase is packed! 

You’ll have 14 days from the approval date to enter the USA and start your new job – and to say goodbye to those Canadian Beaver Bucks once and for all!

Good luck and remember, no matter where you settle in the US or how long you're away, Canada will always remain your "home and native land."