Nurse Visa and Border Crossing

Applying for a TN ( Nurse Visa ).

The following information is based on my personal experience as a Canadian Traveling Nurse going to the US.

My husband and I always go to the border a week in advance to get our TN visa. We phone ahead to make sure the TN visa specialist is on duty that day. Sometimes there is only one TN visa officer. We travel about three hours to get to the border so we want to make sure it is not a wasted trip.

The best time to arrive is first thing in the morning. Once we arrived at 11:00 AM and did not get in to see the officer till 4:00. In contrast when we arrived at 8:00 we were on our way home by 10:00 AM.

On our first travel nurse assignment we were shocked when the border-crossing officer took our passports without an explanation. He then directed us to a special parking zone and then to the office to be interviewed for the Nurse Visa.

When you arrive at the office you pick a number and wait for your number to be called. We made the error of asking a question before our number was called. Only when your number is called and you are interviewed by the officer is your question answered. My visa is called a TN visa ( Nurse Visa ) and my husband’s is called a TD visa.

When you are interviewed it is obvious the immigration officer has had a chance to look at the passports that were handed over at the border crossing.

Here is a list Travel Nurse Information and documents you will need;

1. Letter of employment also known as TN visa letter

2. Birth Certificate and one other Canadian identification

3. Original visa screen certificate and a copy

4. Diploma or degree from nursing school (Canada)

5. State Nurse License (State you are working.)

6. U.S. address and phone number where you will be residing and working.

7. A current copy of your resume is helpful for reference.

8. A letter of reference from your former employer.

9. We paid for the TN and spouse TD Visa by credit card. You can use this as a tax deduction so an extra proof of purchase is a good idea, especially at tax time.

Once you pay you are on your way. Crossing the border will be straightforward as long as you have your TN (Nurse Visa) with you.





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