Follow these 3 TN Visa Rules When You Stand Infront of the Immigration Officer

Whether you are applying for your TN Visa at the airport or at a land border crossing, the Immigration Officer will ask you what is the purpose of your visit.

At this time, you want to relax, take a deep breathe and simply state, "I have a job in (your state) and am apply for a TN."

Take out your TN Visa Application documents and provide them to the Officer. It is important that you only provide the essential documents. Many people over do this and provide too many documents. Do not do this.

TN Visa Rule #1

The first rule to remember when dealing with the Immigration Officers is: Do not ramble. Talk as little as possible and be friendly.

Do not talk too much, do not give too much information. If they officer needs more information, they will ask for it. 

Only provide what is requested. Only answer what is asked.

 

When they ask for it, you should repeat the question they asked to ensure you heard it correctly and then take a few seconds before answering. In those few seconds, breathe and determine how to answer their question succinctly. This is where people get themselves into trouble – they talk too much, they start providing information that was not requested. They get nervous and forget the question which was askd and start rambling.

 

This gets you in trouble, so avoid it at all costs. 

The second rule to remember is when you present your TN Visa application documents, only present the minimal amount required by NAFTA. Do not provide the Immigration Officer with additional documentation that is not initially requested.

 

Remember the TN Visa is meant to be a very fast process and there is a set of documentation that is required as part of the application. Know what this is and present it to the officer. 

 

This set of essential documents what the Officer is looking for to get an initial understanding as to whether you and the job meet the NAFTA qualifications. 

If the Immigration Officer requires more information, they will ask for it. DO not feel obliged that you have to  provide all the documents you have brought.

These are the NAFTA TN Visa Requirements for an applicant:

– Either be a U.S., Canadian or Mexican citizen

– You have temporary intent

– Your skills qualify under NAFTA

– The job qualifies under NAFTA

– The TN request is for up to 3 years

These requirements should be explained in the TN Visa application letter. Use the Step by Step instructions in the TN Visa Expert Kit to create your TN Application.

 

The third rule to remember so as to avoid problems is be prepared.

 

The immigration officer will begin to ask you questions about your job, your experience and also ask you questions to ensure you meet the temporary intent requirements of the visa.

 

They may ask you for additional documents, make sure you have them. Have copies made just in case. This is where it is very important to have all your additional documents in another folder ready to present if requested.

 

They may go into a different room and leave you standing there, or they may ask you to take a seat. This is the hardest and most nerve racking part – the waiting. This can take anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour or longer.

 

If you are flying out of an airport and applying for a TN Visa prior to your flight, be sure to arrive at the airport at least 3-4 hours prior to your flight. This may surprise you but if there is even one other person applying for their TN visa at the same time, it can delay your application by at least an hour.

Remember, the Immigration Officer doesn’t care if you miss your flight or how this process is making you uproot your life – he only cares to protect his country,  making sure you are not a threat and you legally qualify to live and work in his country.

 

Be prepared for anything to happen. Most of all, stay calm and relax. If you have read the TN Visa Expert Kit – Platinum Edition and followed the instructions your border interview should go smoothly. Most of our customers have had interviews lasting 5-20 minutes. Some officer’s have smiled and told them their application is perfect and have a nice day!

 

If you have any questions about your application, do not hesitate to contact us.