TN Support Letter

Crossing the border on a TN Visa can feel intimidating - but a little preparation goes a long way. After going through the process myself (and helping others), these pro tips consistently make the experience smoother and less stressful.

Practical tips to keep your crossing smooth and low-stress.

✈️ Travel & Timing

Pick a busy airport hub (Vancouver is great). If that’s not an option, call ahead to confirm they process TNs. Officers at major hubs handle these all the time and won’t stumble through your case.
Cross at non-peak times if you can. Avoid intern season, holidays, and peak travel hours. Early mornings or red-eye flights are ideal - just make sure the border office is open.
Check hours of operation. Not every land or airport port processes TNs 24/7.
Build buffer time. Don’t book a tight connection - secondary inspection can take hours.
Carry on your packet. Never check it in your luggage. If your bag gets delayed, you’re stuck.

📂 Documents & Packet Prep

Structure your packet. Start with your cover letter → support letter → proof of degree → resume → supporting docs. Think of it as zooming out then in - you’re painting a clear picture for the officer.
Use a folder with tabs. Label each section (degree, resume, employer docs). The more organized it looks, the more “legit” your application feels.
Bring extra copies. One for the officer, one for yourself.
Wet signatures only. Scanned or digital signatures often get rejected.
Mind the dates. Your letter’s start date should not predate your crossing, and it has to be within a reasonable window of your actual start date. Don’t show up months early.
Bring your original diploma (plus a copy). Some officers want to see the physical seal.
Translate if needed. Any non-English/French documents must have official translations.
Keep a digital backup. Store a clean PDF of your packet on your phone or email - just in case.
Have the fee ready. It costs money to apply, and not all crossings take debit. Make sure your credit card works where you’re crossing.

👔 Presentation & First Impressions

Dress professionally. If you’re flying in comfortable clothes, you can always change in the airport bathroom before customs.
Travel light. One carry-on says “I’m here for work.” Multiple huge bags can raise questions. (True story: I was once grilled for bringing 100+ lbs of checked baggage on my first TN trip.)
Practice your intro. Be ready to state your name, TN category, and job in one sentence. Confidence matters.

🛂 Interaction with Officers

Answer only what’s asked. Clear and concise beats long explanations every time.
Don’t joke or overshare. Humor and politics don’t play well at the booth.
Be ready for common questions:
- “What ties do you have to Canada?” → Mention bank accounts, family, property - and bring printed proof if you can.
- “What happens after your TN ends?” → Keep it short and truthful (e.g., “I’ll return to Canada to continue my career”).
Employer calls: Make sure your signatory knows you’re applying and can confirm your job role.
Always tell the truth. If you don’t know, say you don’t know. Officers respect honesty more than guesses.

Final Thought

The border officer’s job is to make a quick decision with the information in front of them. The more you look organized, professional, and consistent, the easier you make their job - and the smoother your own experience will be.

Ready to get started?