TN Visa Interview Questions 2026: What to Expect
Know exactly what CBP officers will ask and how to answer confidently.
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."
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