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TN Visa Interview Questions 2026: What to Expect

Know exactly what CBP officers will ask and how to answer confidently.

Professional interview
Good News
Most TN interviews are straightforward and take 10–20 minutes. Officers are verifying your eligibility, not trying to trick you.

Most Common Questions

"What will you be doing for this company?"

Why they ask: To verify your job matches a TN profession

Good answer: "I'll be working as a Software Engineer, designing and developing web applications. My main responsibilities include writing code, reviewing technical specifications, and collaborating with the engineering team."

"What is your educational background?"

Why they ask: To confirm you have the required degree

Good answer: "I have a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Toronto, which I completed in 2020. Here's my degree and transcripts."

"How long will you be working in the US?"

Why they ask: TN is temporary — they want to confirm you understand this

Good answer: "My offer is for a 3-year position. I plan to work for the duration of my TN status and return to Canada when my employment ends."

"Where will you be working?"

Why they ask: To verify the work location matches your offer letter

Good answer: "I'll be working at the company's office in San Francisco, California. The address is in my offer letter."

"What is your salary?"

Why they ask: To verify it's a legitimate professional position

Good answer: "My annual salary is $120,000, as stated in my offer letter."

"Have you worked in the US before?"

Why they ask: To check your immigration history

Good answer: Be honest. "Yes, I had TN status from 2022–2024 with a different employer" or "No, this is my first time working in the US."

Questions About Your Employer

"What does the company do?"

Good answer: Give a brief, clear description. "They're a fintech company that builds payment processing software for small businesses. They have about 500 employees."

"How did you find this job?"

Good answer: Be straightforward. "I applied through LinkedIn" or "A recruiter contacted me" or "I was referred by a friend who works there."

"Who will you report to?"

Good answer: "I'll report to the Engineering Manager, Sarah Johnson. Her contact information is in my offer letter."

Never Say This
Don't mention plans to get a green card, stay permanently, or "see how it goes." TN requires temporary intent.

Tricky Questions & How to Handle Them

"Do you plan to stay in the US permanently?"

Good answer: "No, I'm coming for this specific job opportunity. I maintain my ties to Canada and plan to return when my employment ends."

"Is your employer sponsoring you for a green card?"

Good answer: If no: "No, there are no green card plans." If yes, this is complicated — consider consulting an immigration lawyer before your interview.

"Why are you leaving your current job in Canada?"

Good answer: Focus on the opportunity. "This role offers a great career opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and a larger team."

Interview Tips

  • Be confident but not arrogant — You have a right to TN status if you qualify
  • Answer directly — Don't ramble or over-explain
  • Know your documents — Be able to find any document quickly
  • Dress professionally — Business casual is appropriate
  • Stay calm — Nervousness is normal but don't let it show
  • Be honest — Lies can result in permanent visa bans

What NOT to Do

  • Don't volunteer extra information
  • Don't argue with the officer
  • Don't mention immigrant intent (green card, staying forever)
  • Don't bring up previous visa issues unless asked
  • Don't lie — ever
  • Don't be rude or impatient
Remember
The officer wants to approve you if you qualify. Your job is to make it easy for them by having organized documents and clear answers.
Last updated: May 2026