2nd TN self preparation question

J

jixca

Member
I'm currently on a TN job in NY with a possible end date in 3 months and I've started looking on other jobs, where many HR may not know enough about TN and I have to do my best to educate them.

My first TN was done thru company attorney with i129 + premium processing and I have a copy of the entire package from 2 years ago. It includes the forms + 6 page extensive TN letter + accredited evaluation of my education/experience + supplemental info on company facts and annual report.

The new jobs I'm looking for are similar in nature and title but at much smaller firms, so my question is whether I can reuse and update the package for POE application? I'm assuming given it's been thru legal the letter would cover off all required points rather than I download some generic 1 page letter found on web.

Additionally, do I need accredited evaluation of my Canadian university education/experience or was that just extra precaution?
 
You do not need accreditation of your Cdn education. And you only need experience letters if you are applying for a category that allows -- and you only have -- a diploma and 3 yrs experience. Even then an evaluation would be useless. You must have letters from former clients/employers/colleagues to support experience.

My TN letter was 2 paragraphs, so 6 pages is obviously overkill, made to justify the unnecessary use of a lawyer for TN. Same for the company prospectus.

And don't bother with I-129. Go to the border.
 
Thanks.

I'm applying under Computer Systems Analyst so would prefer to be better prepared with a letter that covers all points rather than lacking supporting evidence. I have Engineering bachelor degree from Canadian university so that should be enough.

Additionally, can one apply for TN at POE not at Canada/US border? I have an upcoming trip that will arrive to US airport, but it's not on the enhanced list of airports with US pre clearance. I'm assuming the risk is a denial and I would also potentially not be allowed to enter on existing TN right, and I won't be able to easily turn back to Canada?
 
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So you are coming from a Cdn Airport that does not have US Pre-clearance? Or you are coming from another country?
Even if the PFI was in another country, you would face the same problems as coming in to a US airport POE, since these typically don't handle many TN petitions.

As to denial, the simple answer would be to secure the 2nd TN before your 1st expires.

But to your first comment, having tons of paperwork does not overcome a poor letter, and is not as good as a perfect 1-pager.

Your Engineering degree had best have LOTS of CSA courses on it, since Engineering is NOT CSA, nor vice versa.

The letter should not contain anything about YOU, it should strictly describe the job. YOU provide the supporting information about you, separate from any long-winded letter.
 
OK thanks for the input.

Just for my understanding, is the TN letter for border application different from the I129 petition TN letter? With the latter being more detailed since one is not present to explain oneself? My previous I129 letter had an entire page dedicated to each relevant course took in University and how that applies to the CSA category, then another page on my prior experience, and a page on job duties.

I asked for the POE to gauge if coming from other country directly into US airport would be easier than coming from Canadian airport Pre clearance given the recent scrutiny placed on CBP stationed at Canadian airports.
 
1 page: As I said, job experience doesn't count, so that was a waste. Don't even bring that up at the border.

2 page: A whole page to describe your job duties would frustrate me as an officer. Did it list making coffee in the morning?

3 page: The info about your course load was useful, but it would not be part of the actual TN letter. It is certainly not needed at the border, because you can speak for yourself, but take it with you with YOUR docs, but not as part of the letter.

So, that left 3 other pages of fluff that could have been said in one paragraph. See what I mean. It makes it look like you are padding you application (which is what the lawyer did with his invoice, no doubt).

It would certainly NOT be easier to go through a US airport POE than through a Cdn airport or Cda/US border post, due to unfamiliarity with TN.
 
The new position I may pursue would have a title of Lead or Manager, but that's just because of the small size of the team and I would be the most senior, with responsibility of leading the team and mentoring/coaching the other 2 members in the department. There is no direct reporting or management of team member or being the hiring manager.

Should the above be worded in the letter to emphasis on the no managerial power of my position (as CSA)? Or should I just prepare to answer questions if asked.

Additionally, if I have 2 potential offers, is it possible to apply for 2 new TNs at the border at the same time? They would be of similar position but different company, or is it more advisable to decide on one final offer first.
 
The position title need not be referred to in the TN letter. The description of your duties is what is required. "Lead" would cause no issue, manager would get your petition kicked out.
You can request multiple concurrent TNs, but I would avoid doing so on the same entry, as the border may say to pick one. Wait a day and request 2nd one.
 
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