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Applying at the Port of Entry

Step-by-step guide to applying for TN status at the U.S. border or Canadian airport preclearance.

The Process

1

Drive to the border or arrive at airport preclearance

Choose a land border crossing or one of the 10 Canadian airports with U.S. preclearance. Arrive early — wait times vary.

2

Tell the officer you are applying for TN status

At primary inspection, state clearly: "I am applying for TN status." Do not say you are entering for tourism or business.

3

Get directed to secondary inspection

You will be sent to a secondary inspection area where a CBP officer handles TN applications specifically.

4

Present your documents

Hand over your employer letter, degree/credentials, resume, and any supporting documents. Have everything organized and easy to review.

5

Undergo questioning

The officer will ask about your job duties, qualifications, employer, and intent to return to Canada. Answer clearly and concisely.

6

Officer reviews and decides

The officer reviews your documents, verifies your qualifications match the TN category, and makes an approval or denial decision.

7

If approved, receive your I-94

You receive an I-94 record with TN classification, valid up to 3 years. Print it later from i94.cbp.dhs.gov to confirm details.

Canadian Preclearance Airports

These Canadian airports have U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance facilities:

Toronto Pearson International

YYZ

Recommended

Highest volume, very experienced officers

Billy Bishop Toronto City

YTZ

Opened March 2026

Vancouver International

YVR

Recommended

High volume, experienced officers

Calgary International

YYC

Edmonton International

YEG

Montreal-Trudeau International

YUL

Recommended

Experienced with TN

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International

YOW

Halifax Stanfield International

YHZ

Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International

YWG

Victoria International

YYJ

Why Airport Preclearance Is Safer
If denied at airport preclearance, you remain in Canada — you never left. At a land border, denial can result in a formal refusal on your record or even expedited removal if mishandled.

What to Say

DO Say

  • "I am applying for TN status"
  • State your profession category clearly
  • Explain your duties in plain language
  • Mention your Canadian ties and intent to return
  • Answer questions directly and concisely

DO NOT Say

  • "I am moving to the U.S."
  • "I plan to stay permanently"
  • "I am looking for a green card"
  • Volunteer information not asked
  • Contradict what is in your documents

If Denied

At Land Border

  • Withdrawal — Ask to withdraw your application. No denial on record. You return to Canada.
  • Formal denial — Officer issues a written denial. Goes on your record but you can reapply.
  • Expedited removal — Worst case. 5-year bar on entry. Only if you misrepresented facts.

At Airport Preclearance

  • Right to withdraw — You can always withdraw since you have not left Canada
  • Canadian law applies — You are still on Canadian soil; U.S. officers have limited authority
  • No removal risk — Cannot be deported since you never entered the U.S.

Tips for Success

  1. Go early in the morning — Officers are fresher and lines are shorter
  2. Avoid Mondays and Fridays — Busiest days at land borders
  3. Bring multiple copies — At least 3 copies of every document
  4. Dress professionally — First impressions matter; dress as you would for the job
  5. Have your employer available by phone — In case the officer wants to verify details
  6. Do not bring moving boxes — Signals permanent intent and raises red flags
  7. Practice explaining your duties — Be able to describe your role in 2-3 sentences
  8. Know your TN category — Be able to explain why your role fits the category
  9. Bring proof of Canadian ties — Lease, property deed, family, return flight
  10. Stay calm and polite — Even if questioned aggressively, remain composed
No Moving Boxes
Do not bring moving boxes or household goods on your first TN entry — it signals permanent intent. Ship belongings separately after your status is approved, or make a second trip.

Land Border Crossings

Province-Specific Recommendations
Ontario: Peace Bridge (Fort Erie) has the most TN experience. BC: Pacific Highway (Surrey) is the main crossing. Quebec: Lacolle is the primary option.

Peace Bridge

Fort Erie, ON → Buffalo, NY

Recommended

Highest TN volume land crossing. Very experienced officers.

Rainbow Bridge

Niagara Falls, ON → Niagara Falls, NY

Less busy than Peace Bridge. Good alternative.

Thousand Islands Bridge

Lansdowne, ON → Alexandria Bay, NY

Quieter crossing. Less experienced with TN.

Ambassador Bridge

Windsor, ON → Detroit, MI

Busy commercial crossing. TN processing available.

Pacific Highway

Surrey, BC → Blaine, WA

Recommended

Main BC crossing. Experienced with TN.

Douglas (Peace Arch)

Surrey, BC → Blaine, WA

Adjacent to Pacific Highway. NEXUS lane available.

Lacolle

Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle, QC → Champlain, NY

Main Quebec land crossing.

Emerson

Emerson, MB → Pembina, ND

Main Manitoba crossing.

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Last updated: April 2026