Coming to the United States in TN Status

ISS will not be involved if you are seeking initial entry to the U.S. in TN status. Instead, the hiring UW department will provide you with a letter to present to the immigration officer at the port of entry. If you are currently in the U.S. in some other nonimmigrant status, ISS generally recommends that you depart the U.S. and enter in TN status using the procedures described below.

As a Canadian citizen you may request admission to the U.S. as a TN professional at a U.S. class A port of entry, a U.S. airport handling international traffic, or at a U.S. pre-clearance/pre-flight station. No petition, Labor Condition Application, visa or prior approval is required. You must present:

• Documentation of Canadian citizenship.
• Canadian citizens are required to present a valid passport when entering the U.S. by air. Effective January 1, 2008, Canadians will need to present a valid passport for entry by land or sea.
• Copies of diplomas, official transcripts, and license (if required) to establish that you meet the criteria to perform the occupation at a professional level (submit originals for verification purposes; they will be returned).
• Payment of the $56 TN fee in U.S. funds.
• A letter from the hiring UW department addressed to the Department of Homeland Security which identifies the specific TN-approved profession in which you will be working, a detailed summary of the job responsibilities, salary, and anticipated length of stay. The letter should state the minimum degree and experience requirements of the job and describe how you are qualified to perform the job.
• Visa screen is required for certain healthcare professionals.

• Plan to enter the U.S. in TN status no more than 10 days prior to the employment start date indicated in the employer’s letter.
• Always hand-carry your documents and be prepared to present them to an immigration officer.
• Make sure the immigration officer understands that you seek admission to the U.S. in TN status.
• The U.S. immigration officer will issue to you Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record and place this document in your passport. You will be asked to provide an address where you will be living in Seattle. Check that the I-94 indicates “TN” status and reflects the validity dates requested in the employer’s letter (up to one year), the TN occupation, and the employer’s name. The I-94 is evidence of your eligibility to work in the U.S. Don't lose it!
• The officer will take your fingerprints and a digital photograph.
• If the officer cannot initially verify your information you may be directed to an interview area referred to as "secondary inspection." Please remain patient and cooperative. If the officer has questions about your affiliation with the University of Washington, suggest that he or she contact your UW department or ISS.