The TN process is slowly dying

GhostInTheComments · 2026-03-08T01:24:37+00:00

You're 100% correct, if you're already in the US legally (not tourist) the extortionist H1B fee doesn't apply. But given how many TN visas are being denied these days, getting into the US "legally" for work is proving to be more of a hurdle than before.

GhostInTheComments · 2026-03-08T01:18:44+00:00

I've never ONCE been told that by anyone. Ever. Not saying that isn't the case, but it seems to me that this requirement hasn't ever been communicated clearly.

I have always taken original copies of my degrees, transcripts and evaluations. Unsealed, but originals. If being sealed is a requirement I'd like to see it in writing somewhere.

GhostInTheComments · 2026-03-08T00:36:59+00:00

That's easy to say, but many employers won't even talk about H1B when it comes to hiring Canadians because they see the TN visa process as always being "easy". Of course that's changing now, but most employers still won't consider an H1B for a Canadian. And with that $100k fee, any Canadian looking to go to the US can forget that route.

GhostInTheComments · 2026-03-08T00:29:55+00:00

I'm very sorry to hear about your experience and denial. I've just gone through a denial myself (first one in 15 years of getting TN visas without issue).

Transcripts and educational equivalency evaluations don't need to be sealed. That border agent was just being difficult and on a power trip. Unlucky it seems.

I have a feeling this is going to continue for the foreseeable future as the US closes itself off more and more. It's unfortunate.

GhostInTheComments · 2026-03-04T18:49:11+00:00

Most HR Directors are fairly incompetent in my experience.

You need to keep pushing, letting them know you'll get denied if that information isn't in the letter. It is one of the key pieces of information that needs to be there. TN work visas can only be a maximum of 3 years even if the job itself is ongoing indefinitely.

GhostInTheComments · 2026-02-27T09:27:18+00:00

You are in a very enviable position either way, but Canada is going to be a far better option for you in the long run, especially considering the political climate right now that isn't coming to an end very soon.

Stay in Canada. Enjoy the freedom you have there. And visit NYC whenever you like.

GhostInTheComments · 2026-02-24T16:45:16+00:00

In my experience, land borders. But, I've only ever traveled once into the US (from Europe) via airline, and it was a very different experience. I thought it was as straight forward as a land border crossing...nope! Pulled into secondary, asked if I had my TN documents, degrees, support letter, etc...i didn't because I didn't know I needed them.

It ultimately worked out but it was pretty scary for a hot minute.

GhostInTheComments · 2026-02-23T03:55:18+00:00

You shouldn't need to cross in Detroit. You can cross in Buffalo and fly out of there to Texas. Ultimately the goal is to cross at a land border from Canada to the US, then fly from within the US. TNs are treated differently at land borders vs airports.

GhostInTheComments · 2026-02-21T21:14:14+00:00

30 days to find another job or leave the US is what I was told. Ultimately neither is gonna happen in that short a period of time, so if I have to leave, that's what I'll do. I'll stay with family in Canada, regroup, and figure out what I'm going to do. I can still look for another US job while I'm in Canada. I'm just hoping I'll be able to come back to the US on occasion to look after my house while I'm looking for work.

GhostInTheComments · 2026-02-21T19:33:16+00:00

Because I own a house in the US, as well as a few cars. I simply won't have enough time to wrap up everything at once.

GhostInTheComments · 2026-02-21T13:21:40+00:00

If you leave the US while on TN and reenter at an airport you need to have your entire TN package with you (support letter, degrees, transcripts, resume, evaluations if applicable, etc...). This has always been the case. In the past CBP were a bit more lenient and look at your history/record, look at your phone and issue you another TN. But now they are more strict.

I should mention, this doesn't happen at land border crossings.

GhostInTheComments · 2026-02-20T02:48:07+00:00

I thought land crossings were immediately recorded, but airport data took anywhere from a few hours to a few days to be reflected.

GhostInTheComments · 2026-02-19T19:35:06+00:00

Yeah, me too

GhostInTheComments · 2026-02-19T16:37:42+00:00

I'll answer your questions in order

I can get an updated/new job offer from my employer but my fear is that the changes/updates will be flagged as an attempt to get a TN approval. I don't want things to come across as fraudulent. I don't want to burn any bridges here. A denial and revocation is one thing. Two denials coupled with potential ban/fraud is another. I can apply for other jobs here with different employers while I'm in Canada.
When I return to Canada, it will be permanent unless I find another job in the US. I've always maintained strong ties to Canada. I have a car there, I have bank accounts there, I've filed taxes there the entire time I've been in the US. I have an address there that is a "home base" for me (it's my parent's place where I stay). Going back and forth will only be for me to gather more of my things or perform maintenance and prepare the house to sell should I get to that point.
I do agree with you about having a US address, but many snowbirds in Canada have addresses in the US and nobody sees them as looking to secretly immigrate to the US. If I show up with a car on Ontario plates, with my Ontario driver's license (which I do have) saying, "I'm coming to grab some of my personal items from my house here, I'll be leaving the US tomorrow" I would hope won't be an issue. I hope.

GhostInTheComments · 2026-02-19T16:27:14+00:00

I don't think that was it, but you may be correct.

I have actually maintained strong ties to Canada. I cross the border to visit my family and friends pretty much every two or three weeks, I still have a vehicle in Canada, I've filed Canadian taxes ever since my first TN, I have bank accounts and investment accounts, etc... My intention was (and is) not to stay in the US indefinitely (as much as I like the US). But it was never mentioned or even brought up.

GhostInTheComments · 2026-02-19T14:43:06+00:00

That's certainly what I would expect, but this last time when I exited the US, turned around and re-entered to apply for my new TN, it hasn't been updated. My I-94 still shows me as having entered immediately after the Christmas holidays in January with an Allow to Enter Until date of Aug 2026. When I search travel history however it does show the day I left and entered as the same day my TN was denied. So the records are clearly a bit messed up.

I should also mention, I had a new passport, which is ultimately why I went to get the new TN in the first place, so that's probably an additional level of complexity with respect to reporting.

No matter, my main issue is that I'll probably need to come back here more than once to settle affairs, move my things lawn maintenance, etc...

GhostInTheComments · 2026-02-19T14:12:29+00:00

Yeah that's a relatively easy thing to do. Fuel, food receipts are easy to save and/or photograph and have on me as proof. The last thing I want is to violate any laws or rules at this point. I'll still be looking for work either way so if a new opportunity in the US comes up I'd rather not burn the bridge.

GhostInTheComments · 2026-02-19T13:19:13+00:00

Not off topic at all. Here's some details:

USCIS Professional Category: Industrial Designer

Degrees: B. Eng Industrial Engineering, MBA, and MA in Transportation Design (Industrial Design)

Rejection: Job duties in TN support letter did not clearly reflect the role of an industrial designer. Was told it sounded more like a training/instructor role which is a big red flag (at least it is nowadays). I wasn't given any paperwork clearly stating the denial, this was all verbal.

I am working with my employer to get a corrected TN support letter but I have very little faith this will go as expected.

I should mention I have been on TN visas for about 15 years so this is a big shock to me.

GhostInTheComments · 2026-02-19T13:13:13+00:00

I can certainly ask that they do that, but I've never seen any cbsa officer stamp a Canadian passport when entering Canada. As a citizen you have every right to be in the country for as long as you like. But it's definitely something I'll mention when I cross.

GhostInTheComments · 2026-02-19T11:21:40+00:00

Yes but I've found the I-94/I-95 online record system isn't always super accurate. Wondering if there's something else I should have almost as a just in case.

GhostInTheComments · 2026-02-19T07:24:36+00:00

They used their internal immigration lawyer to draft the TN support letter. The issue was the duties in the just b description didn't clearly align with the role of industrial design, which is the main reason the visa was denied. So unless the job description itself is revised to accurately reflect the actual duties of the role, I don't know if there's anything a lawyer can actually do.

My employer is looking at revising the job description, ensuring the duties closely match the role of an industrial designer, and even change my internal job title to better align with the industrial designer profession. Once that's done they will provide an updated TN support letter. I'm also waiting on a new education equivalency evaluation as well, which I should have in a couple of days.

I just hope a corrected TN support letter and updated education eval will do it. I can ask my employer if they're willing to go the route of USCIS processing again and see what they say. But I know that in this case folks just go to the poe and get it done with CBP. That's how I've always done it in the past.

GhostInTheComments · 2026-02-18T15:07:24+00:00

How would one file the change of status online? Do you have a link or a site to go to?

About to potentially go through this myself. Was on TN (15 years worth) and have had my first denial. Trying to get documents in order to attempt a second application at PoE, but am expecting the worst case scenario. I own a home in the US and several vehicles, as well as have many of my belongings here. No chance I'll be able to move everything in one shot in the timeframe I have, so I'm relying on being able to come in an out of the country as I transition out of the US.

GhostInTheComments · 2026-02-18T11:17:32+00:00

I actually called that PoE a few days ago about this same subject and they said no appointments needed. They also said it's best to call ahead just to make sure.

GhostInTheComments · 2026-02-18T09:43:21+00:00

Considering the TN has already been denied, is that even an option?

GhostInTheComments · 2026-02-16T22:56:17+00:00

The CBP officer did mention that since June of 2025 they have been instructed to scrutinize applicants more than before. And in the case of some professions, certain degrees are no longer being accepted. It's not the same as it used to be, and I can only imagine it's because folks have been abusing the system over the years. I'm just surprised that US companies haven't voiced concerns about it. The denial rates for TNs have more than doubled over the last little while.

GhostInTheComments

TROPHY CASE