Instructions for Canadian TN Application Process
In order to request the TN category for someone who is a citizen of Canada, the
following procedure should be started with OISS approximately three or four weeks
before the visitor is expected to enter the U.S. using the TN status:
Step 1: Canadian The NAFTA professional categories list
Determine where the offered position falls on the NAFTA list and include this information in a letter from the UCSB employing department/institute following the example, and forward
this to the visitor to use when entering the U.S. from Canada.
Step 2: Canadian admission under NAFTA
The paperwork on admission to the U.S. is usually either done at the border (when
crossing by land), or at the airport when boarding the flight to enter the U.S.
Usually the immigration officers will need extra time to complete the processing
of admission with the TN status, so it is advised that the Canadian visitor take
the following documents to the admissions inspection point (either the border, or
the airport) at least 3 days before the actual date of entry to the U.S.:
- Proof of Canadian nationality
This could be in the form of a short or long form Canadian birth certificate; Canadian
passport; or certificate of Canadian naturalization.
- Letter from UCSB department
A letter following the example
given above will document that the position falls under one of the TN listed categories and that it is a temporary appointment.
- Evidence of the required degree
A copy of the degree document, and translation into English where necessary.
- Fee payable to "U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services"
The fee for the TN admission processing is usually about $50 to $60 U.S. dollars.
Step 3: Canadian Obtain the I-94 card marked TN
The Immigration admitting officer will provide the I-94 Admission/Departure card
indicating that the person has been admitted to the U.S. in the TN status, and giving
the ending date for the permitted stay. NOTE: If you are admitted to the U.S. without
this I-94 card indicating the TN status, you are considered a tourist and we are
not allowed to put you on our payroll.
Step 4: Canadian Present the I-94 card marked with TN to your UCSB department
The payroll officer in your UCSB department must see the actual I-94 card as proof
of your employable TN status in order to place you on our payroll. It is also important
to make note of the end date granted you in the TN status. Please check with Tanya in OISS when you are within 3 months of that end date to begin the process you will need to follow to extend the TN permission to work.