F1-TN timing question, please help!

H

heye

Registered Users (C)
Hi, all

I am currently on F1 status living in Seattle area, and I got a job offer, the starting date is September 15th.

I called the POE at Blaine, WA today to ask them if I could drive up to Vancouver and come back to apply for TN on the same day, say on the 10th(I guess 10th is close enough to be seen as "on your way to your job"), she told me that since I've been studying here for 2 years, so I have to leave the country for at least 48 hours and then come back to apply. She suggested "leaving on 7th and coming back on 10th". I don't know if anyone of you have encountered this before. My initial plan is to just drive to Canada and then drive back. So I didn't plan to stay in Vancouver for 2 days...

And technically, can the CBP officer know that whether or not if I left on 7th or not? I will probably call a different POE tomorrow, but I just wanted to see if you have any suggestions for me. THANKS SO MUCH !
 
There is no such rule about staying out of country.

Blaine is notorious for making things up.
 
Thanks, nelsona!

Does anyone know which POE is relatively 'friendier' in BC/WA? I heard all the horrifying stories at these POEs...Also, my job letter states the starting date as 9/15, but I remember seeing people here say that they want you to apply on the same day of your work day.. Is it true? I wanted to apply tomorrow and 9th..don't want to be turned away by them. And I called Sumas,WA station, the officer there said "come on the morning of 15th", and Blaine officer said "return to Canada and stay 2 days then come back". I am just so worried about my application, looks like they're so good at making things up...


nelsona said:
There is no such rule about staying out of country.

Blaine is notorious for making things up.
Click to expand...
 
Get the job letter changed to remove the starting date. if you can't, then I guess you will be crossing on the 15th.
 
I'm from BC and in New york on my first TN. I crossed at the 176th crossing in April on the advice of my immigration lawyer. I avoid Sumas at all costs, that's apparently where they place the trainees
 
Somehow I thought Blaine was the one to avoid so I drove to Sumas on 13th...It was very stressful but TN was granted. Yay!

Next time I'll probably go to another POE...
 
Glad you made it !! I hope I never have to go through any Washington border crossing anytime soon...way too anxiety provoking for me..4 1/2 hours the last time!
 
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