POE and coronavirus, border closure?

So speculating both that work visas will be detailed as “essential”, and saying that State Dept says any USC not showing synonyms will be allowed to travel to Canada.
...then the ”restrictions” are pretty pointless really.
I would agree that work should be essential - if you TN visa expires or you found a new job, if you can't get your visa you will not have income therefore you have to then apply for unemployment benefit, it's a loss loss for everyone
 
I would agree that work should be essential - if you TN visa expires or you found a new job, if you can't get your visa you will not have income therefore you have to then apply for unemployment benefit, it's a loss loss for everyone
Like the many Americans applying for unemployment now because they’ve lost jobs due to coronavirus shutdowns.
like I said these restrictions are basically pointless, they stop some shoppers at the land borders, many non essential stores are shutting down for the duration anyway. Much ado about nothing.
 
According to the text of the regulation, traveling to work or study in the US is considered "essential travel" and is allowed. Also, the travel restriction only applies to the land border and does not apply to travel by air.

Small caveat to this - after the "Work" - it is indicated as ex: Workers in the Agriculture etc., not sure professional categories such as TNs
 
Are you sure the people are allowed to travel by air or by land? Can-USA border are closed. The people are not allowed to fly from Canada to USA or fly from USA to Canada. I don't know about land can you travel by land and cross border?

TN visa: getting new TN or renewal TN is that considered essential travel? Canadian border tweeted don't travel to get work permit, study permit etc... But this is on US side.

Checked USCIS they posted offices are closed.
 
Are you sure the people are allowed to travel by air or by land? Can-USA border are closed. The people are not allowed to fly from Canada to USA or fly from USA to Canada. I don't know about land can you travel by land and cross border?
The current border restrictions applies to the land border, but not air. It says
At this time, this Notification does not apply to air, freight rail, or sea travel between the United States and Canada, but does apply to passenger rail and ferry travel between the United States and Canada
 
I have contacted the CBP-Blaine WA ,CBP-Edmonton, AB, CBP-Calgary, AB today and learned that they are still waiting for proper directions and details from the DHS on essential travels. Now that the airports are shutting down, they have advised me to go to the nearest border, which is Montana SG - POE for me and attempt to get the TN renewed. I have tried to the reach out to the CBP Montana but with no luck. I am taking a chance by driving tomorrow to the border to get my TN renewed with all the necessary documentation and drive back to Canada. If you think my idea is bad then please caution me.
 
Nothing is bad idea just go and get answer from horses mouth. Even if you get TN can you go to USA ? How air or land? But be safe
 
No good news. I went to the border yesterday and the CBP officer rejected my renewal TN application. I followed TSA's CSA definition /job description in my application. I feel that the scrutiny was very high at this time. The officer mentioned that the employer could replace me with multiple US jobs as my CSA job scope is very big. I told him that my job exactly matches with the CSA definition but of new use. I had the word engineer in my resume which became a red flag. I have an electronics engg background but the officer highlighted that I dont have any computer degrees specifically which was never the case before during CBP interviews . I have ample experience in IT but today I felt empty. Only few univs offered the CS degrees. in the 90's . In general, the officer was polite but decision was already made in the first hour. I spent another 4 more hours, sworn affidavits, escorting out etc.
I feel the current covid situation which might have aggravated the whole process especially when media talks about the impending job loss etc
Either delay your application or go with a bullet proof, -water tight application or else it will be difficult at this time. It could be different for you but again this was my experience at the border. 6 hour drive+5 hours of scrutiny at the border+6 hours drive back...Really bad day!
 
TN gets rejected if you have not met a lawyer to write your letter. 2) if you don't have a degree 3) experience alone sometimes may not be enough to convince 4) have you already worked in the US?
Don't work many might be in ur boat. Going to USA in covid maybe dangerous try for TN with letter from lawyer or your company can provide a lawyer to write your letter.
 
TN gets rejected if you have not met a lawyer to write your letter. 2) if you don't have a degree 3) experience alone sometimes may not be enough to convince 4) have you already worked in the US?
Don't work many might be in ur boat. Going to USA in covid maybe dangerous try for TN with letter from lawyer or your company can provide a lawyer to write your letter.

Thanks Nimc2002.
  1. I had the letter written by an Immigration specialist in my company; likely a lawyer
  2. I had an Electronics Engineering degree (evaluated) with software subjects in the curriculum
  3. I have already worked in US on a H1, a decade earlier and been in the TN for the last year.
My summary: CBP will give a pass to people who are super essential to US at this time like nurses and tough for other jobs.
 
Thanks Nimc2002.
  1. I had the letter written by an Immigration specialist in my company; likely a lawyer
  2. I had an Electronics Engineering degree (evaluated) with software subjects in the curriculum
  3. I have already worked in US on a H1, a decade earlier and been in the TN for the last year.
My summary: CBP will give a pass to people who are super essential to US at this time like nurses and tough for other jobs.

Thanks for posting, any info helps in these times. Just curious, which border did you go to if you dont mind sharing?
 
That's ok he gave your any reason for rejection? Virus issues or actual issues in your letter?
No covid related discussions with the officer which I knew will never come up to avoid the obvious reason for the refusal. The refusal reason was specific to the wider scope of the tasks I had been assigned to do at work. I countered back and stuck to the CSA job definition and explained the tasks. Again, it is the judgement of the officers in however way they want to perceive during this highly scrutinized times and make the applicants on the defensive. Also my electronics engineering degree came into discussion which has never been to my H1B and TN succesful entries which proved they were not going to give me a pass at this tough times.
 
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I think that you ran into an officer who went by the book. Probably, he was not the regular TN officer or you went to a POE which does not handle too many TN's. The officer saw your engineering degree and was expecting an engineering occupation for TN, not CSA. Usually, experienced officers look at the transcripts to see if there any computer related courses and if they do, they are satisfied that you meet the CSA requirement. Your work experience does not count as much as your degree for TN. Your best bet would be to hire a lawyer and give it another shot, addressing all the issues raised by the officer.
 
HI everyone, just a note that yesterday I successfully obtained a TN-1 at the Buffalo Peace Bridge POE. So as of now, TN applications are still being processed despite border closures.
 
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