TN Visa Border Interview Guide

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What to Expect

The TN border process has two stages:

1. Primary inspection (1-5 minutes): You tell the officer you're applying for TN status. They review your passport and may ask a few basic questions. Most applicants are then sent to secondary inspection.
2. Secondary inspection (15 minutes - 2 hours): A different officer reviews your full application package in detail. They'll ask about your job, qualifications, employer, and intent. This is where the real interview happens.

Total time varies from 15 minutes to 2+ hours depending on the port of entry, time of day, and complexity of your case. During the 2026 DHS shutdown, expect longer waits due to enhanced vetting.

Common Questions Officers Ask

Prepare clear, concise answers for each of these:

1. Why are you coming to the United States?
2. What will you be doing? Describe your job duties.
3. Who is your employer? What does the company do?
4. What is your job title?
5. How long will you be working in the US?
6. What is your salary?
7. What is your educational background? What degree do you hold?
8. Where did you go to school?
9. Do you have any ties to Canada? Property, family, assets?
10. Will you return to Canada when your employment ends?
11. Have you ever been denied entry to the US?
12. Have you ever applied for a green card or immigrant visa?
13. Have you worked in the US before? Under what status?
14. Where will you be living in the US?
15. Is your spouse or family coming with you?

How to Answer

• Be concise. Answer the question asked, nothing more. A 1-2 sentence answer is ideal.
• Be honest. Never lie to a CBP officer. Misrepresentation can result in permanent bars.
• Be confident. You have a right to apply. Present yourself as a qualified professional.
• Don't volunteer information. If they ask "What will you do?", describe your job — don't add "and eventually I'd like to get a green card."
• Emphasize temporary intent. Mention your ties to Canada: property, family, return plans.
• Don't mention green card plans. TN requires non-immigrant intent. Any mention of permanent residence can trigger a denial.
• Don't argue. If the officer seems skeptical, stay calm. If they signal a denial, ask to withdraw your application instead.

What to Bring

• Cover sheet: A one-page summary listing your name, TN profession, employer, and all enclosed documents
• Valid Canadian passport (not expiring within 6 months)
• Employer support letter on company letterhead (see letter guide)
• Degree/diploma (original or certified copy)
• Official transcripts
• Professional licence (if applicable — P.Eng, CPA, etc.)
• Credential evaluation (if your degree is from outside Canada/US)
• Resume/CV
• Previous TN approval notices (if renewing)
• Multiple copies of everything — bring at least 2 complete sets

What NOT to Do

• Don't bring a one-way ticket. Book a round-trip or have proof of return plans.
• Don't have moving boxes visible in your car at a land border. It signals permanent relocation.
• Don't mention permanent plans. No talk of buying a house, getting a green card, or "moving to the US."
• Don't argue with the officer. If things go badly, ask to withdraw. See our denial guide.
• Don't bring unnecessary people. Apply alone unless dependents are applying for TD status simultaneously.
• Don't use your phone during the interview. Give the officer your full attention.
• Don't have controversial content on your phone. Since December 2025, CBP has expanded social media and device checks.

Land Border vs Airport Preclearance

Canadian Preclearance Airports

These Canadian airports have US CBP preclearance facilities where you can apply for TN status:

Land Border Crossings

Major Canada-US land border crossings where you can apply for TN status: