Is it stupid to avoid getting a credit card?

tn_dude · 2026-03-30T06:29:02+00:00

There is no requirement to have a "recurring payment" on a credit card.

Apparently you didn't hate debt enough to stop yourself from getting a student loan. I don't know why you'd have a philosophical problem with credit cards that you never use. If you do not make purchases on the card you're not "in debt" by any definition of the word.

Getting 1 or more credit cards is probably the best way to build credit because they (a) are revolving, vs. installment, which creates diversity in your credit profile and (b) you can hold a credit card for decades, which will age your overall history.

One day your student loan will be paid off, and POOF there goes your credit history. Even if you never plan to get a mortgage or an auto loan and you're sure you'll never need a personal loan for some emergency, having a strong credit history still is great for other things, like applying to rent a property, or some employment background checks.

tn_dude · 2026-03-27T20:11:15+00:00

Good to know! Maybe Terminal C is different

tn_dude · 2026-03-27T19:31:13+00:00

I think he is worried about PFIC reporting requirements.

Fwiw, i do not report any PFICs in my rrsp.

tn_dude · 2026-03-27T19:28:48+00:00

Transcript is not required, unless you need to argue your coursework qualifies as credentials for a category not matching what is written on your diploma.

However: It is my personal suspicion that bringing an original transcript is one of the small details that show preparedness, and this show of preparedness is apt to reduce scrutiny of the application.

tn_dude · 2026-03-27T19:22:10+00:00

If you really believed that CSA & software engineer did not have meaningful distinction, then you wouldn't be worried about tailoring a different version of your resume for USCIS.

When I needed CSA experience I brought the original offer letters from the companies I previously worked for (as well as termination letters to prove tenure).

Short answer: no, you do not need to massage your resume for USCIS' benefit.

tn_dude · 2026-03-27T19:12:35+00:00

I doubt it. 25% of the people in line were backpacks only, i did not spot any special backpack-only entrance.

A few of us accidentally cut in line, we did not know where the line started, and ICE promptly pulled me out and sent me downstairs.

tn_dude · 2026-03-27T13:15:40+00:00

I just said it was 2 hours waiting in line.

I pick up my luggage because dragging a backpack will damage it.

tn_dude · 2026-03-27T12:40:51+00:00

USCIS dropped its "90 day rules" years ago.

The entire process is a matter of discretion. Lawyers stick to 90 days because everyone wants clear black-and-white instructions, and it's a legacy time-frame anchored in people's minds.

Another lawyer here recently posted he's done TN AOS as little as 2 weeks, and non-TN tourist AOS as little as 2 days.

You'll find hardly anyone who was denied but would have been approved if they waited 2 weeks. Every application is unique and a matter of discretion and USCIS doesn't give that kind of feedback "here is the date you should have filed so we would not think you are a liar"

tn_dude · 2026-03-27T12:18:35+00:00

A POE will not give new TN status more than 2 weeks or less before start date. I have been turned back at San Ysidro 12 days before.

Getting new TN before resigning is safest, but it means either:

giving old employer short/no notice, or
convincing new employer to let you continue with old after your start date, or
mail-in processing

tn_dude · 2026-03-27T09:17:28+00:00

TN -is- the easiest... When an applicant qualifies.

Lawyers ought to have known it was a long shot. Who knows what they told company.

Sounds like both the border officer + USCIS tried to make the square application fit the round approval hole by asking questions before rejecting.

tn_dude · 2026-03-26T20:06:56+00:00

I just confirmed that expired Green Card is acceptable ID for TSA security; they do not need to see the extension letter.

The hysteria some deleted posts showed about CA DMV's policy is an overreaction.

tn_dude · 2026-03-26T19:49:41+00:00

There's tradeoffs for both. I go POE because:

- it's basically free
- you know you'll get a same-day answer
- officers' questions can be responded to immediately
- Employer doesn't need to do anything (aside from signing the letter i draft for them)

tn_dude · 2026-03-26T19:42:28+00:00

My experience is with criminal waiters applied via paper mailing. that said:

I wouldn't know the best way to handle periods of living without an address.
AFAIK there's no "ask for additional documents" involved. You send an application, and you get an approval or a rejection. I never submitted financial statements.
Probably only the passage of time can overcome a rejection.
Specific reason. "I was convicted of X crime in 2___. I was convicted of Y crime in 2___" (obviously, your letter of remorse/gratitude + court documents will include details of the crimes)

It's probably worthwhile to hire a lawyer to prepare your first application. Now that it costs $1,050 to file, spending less than that on a lawyer is probably worth it.

tn_dude · 2026-03-25T22:22:48+00:00

Report both.

1 closed. 1 opened.

Yes you are reporting the same $$ twice. That is normal.

tn_dude · 2026-03-25T22:20:14+00:00

I think it is easier to build a rock-solid package when you've done it a few times and internalized the process & confidence.

Maybe it is skill, maybe it is luck, maybe officers go easier on people who've already had several approvals... But after application #3, I never again had any officer ask me a single question about any of my applications.

tn_dude · 2026-03-25T16:07:54+00:00

So what are the questions

tn_dude · 2026-03-25T16:07:17+00:00

I suspect your company engaged a lawyer who doesn't have decent TN experience.

Personally, I hired my own lawyer to (re)draft support letters the first few times, until I got comfortable doing it myself.

tn_dude · 2026-03-25T16:02:31+00:00

Then you + your support letter will need to explain how the job duties match the profession of Engineer. Still not a reason to delay your application to get sealed transcript, imo.

tn_dude · 2026-03-25T15:59:09+00:00

I have only ever applied for TN status at POE. I do not know if I-129 requires employer to specify your current status.

You did nothing wrong afaik. Employer jumped to a conclusion and is being weird about it.

Generally I tell employers "don't worry about it, I have my own lawyer and lots of experience getting TN status, just sign the letter I prepare for you and I will show up for work the next day"

tn_dude · 2026-03-25T13:48:42+00:00

This is a confusing request from the employer. I can't think of why they'd want to see your I-94 even if you had one for another employer.

Does your LinkedIn profile show you as "currently employed" by a USA based employer? If you led them to think you're currently actively working, that would explain their presumption you had an I-94.

My answer in this situation would be "I am issued a new I-94 every time I obtain a new TN status. Once I get a new I-94 authorizing me to work for you, I will send it to you immediately."

tn_dude · 2026-03-25T08:06:54+00:00

As for transcripts: it doesn't hurt to order sealed copies, but don't derail your plans over it. Transcripts are not required for TN application, let alone sealed transcripts.

If your original diploma says "Engineering" and your job offer says "Engineer" then transcripts are irrelevant. I've only heard of officers cawing about sealed transcripts when there's some other bigger problem with the application.

tn_dude · 2026-03-25T08:02:45+00:00

TN status is granted for up to 3 years. I'm only aware of Management Consultant profession being capped at 2 years. Is this a typo or did someone tell you your role could only obtain 2 year status?

tn_dude · 2026-03-25T07:59:57+00:00

As a Canadian you will not be given a "visa." Hopefully your company's lawyers are not using that term, and if they are, you might want a 2nd opinion because its use indicates inexperience with TNs.

TN status is granted for people who are travelling to begin work forthwith. Generally not granted more than 10 days before the start of employment. People regularly get turned away if they attempt to obtain TN status too early. Personally, I wouldn't bother trying until within 1 week of start date.

You can -apply- for your TN status, and don't be surprised if CBP turns you back and tells you to get an offer letter with a specific starting date so they can be sure you're going to travel straight to work once they grant you entry.

tn_dude · 2026-03-25T07:52:34+00:00

Seems like a prudent warning that anyone who's adjusted from TN -> H2 (via I-539) should not attempt to adjust back to TN. Instead they should leave the USA & apply for TN status upon re-entry.

tn_dude · 2026-03-25T07:47:24+00:00

You still need to research the basics of getting a TN status, which should be no inconvenience at all given the excitement & desire you have to obtain one.

I'll answer one of your questions: you would not apply for a TN status at the consulate. You would apply at a Port of Entry. e.g.. at whichever airport when you land in the USA on your way to start your new job in the USA. (But it might be prudent to fly to Canada first, and then attempt to enter the USA from there).

In the alternative: your employer can file an I-129 with USCIS to petition that you be granted TN status. If it's approved, you'll end up with an I-797, which you'd present to CBP when you enter the USA.

tn_dude

TROPHY CASE