TN at YYZ experience and advice
Posting my experience so it may help others:
I’ve successfully acquired another TN as a Canadian (my fourth one). I went through YYZ and here are some notes:
-If you’re planning on going through YYZ, try to do it on a random Thursday if you can. I went on a Monday and the officer said Mondays and Sundays are historically the busiest days of the week. It took me a brutal 7.5 hours total on a Monday. Bring a book to kill time because they will tell you to get off your phone. (This is anecdotal and specific to YYZ and other ports may vary)
-If you’re “renewing” your TN with the same employer, do not go sooner than 10 days before your TN expires. I’ve been denied a “renewal” before because I applied too early. (This only applies at the border crossing and not sure what the rule is for applying by mail.)
-Sign and date your offer letter! I overheard someone get denied because they hadn’t signed their own offer letter — the officer said that without a signature, there’s no binding agreement, and didn’t give them a chance to sign on the spot. Silly mistakes like this can lead to a denial, so triple check all your paperwork, and make sure your offer letter is signed and dated.
-I’ve generally had an easier time with officers since my degree and job title are closely aligned. I overheard the same officer give a harder time to applicants with a Master’s/Bachelor’s of Science applying for engineering roles. I think the officer would ask for supporting documents or how your degree is relevant to the job. They also ask whether you manage people, which would not qualify for TN work authorization as far as I know.
-Bring printed copies of any supporting documents that strengthen your case. For example, I hold two concurrent jobs (and therefore two concurrent TNs), so I printed acknowledgment letters from both employers confirming they’re aware of my dual employment. Gives the officer more material to work with.
-Don’t forget to bring original copies of your transcript and diploma.
-Don’t staple your documents together. I had mine stapled and the officer asked me to take the staples out (i think so that they could photocopy them). It just made it a little awkward so use paper clips instead!
Disclaimer: I’m not an immigration lawyer, just sharing my experience to help others since this can be a stressful process. Good luck!