First post here. I am a Canadian citizen, and I just wrapped up my MA degree here in DC. I am currently on OPT status under my F1 visa, which is valid until next summer.
I currently work at a boutique US management consulting firm in DC, and am hoping to get obtain TN status while my OPT is still active. I've read that the "Management Consultant" category is the most heavily scrutinized when applying for the TN, though I believe that I meet the qualifications.
A couple questions I had:
1) Since I'm already in the US on valid work authorization, I have the option to either apply for the TN at a port-of-entry (POE) or apply for "Change of Status" with the I-129 form. Since I have my OPT for the next several months, timing is not really an issue for me, and the difference in fees is not a huge concern. However, aside from that, can anyone advise on which option would be better/less "risky"?
2) If it's advisable to apply at a port of entry, would I be able to still enter the US on my F1 visa/OPT if my TN request were denied? What other options would I have if it were denied (e.g. could I try again at another POE or go through the change-of-status process)?
3) What are your experiences with the various POEs? My family back home is based in Toronto, so that's where I would be leaving from in Canada.
4) Should I retain the services of a lawyer in preparing my application, or would that just be a waste of money?
Any other advice would be greatly appreciated--I don't know many people who have been in my situation, so I'm hoping that this forum might have some answers
OPT to TN Visa (Canadian citizen wanting to work in US)
in Work Visas
Posted
Hi everyone,
First post here. I am a Canadian citizen, and I just wrapped up my MA degree here in DC. I am currently on OPT status under my F1 visa, which is valid until next summer.
I currently work at a boutique US management consulting firm in DC, and am hoping to get obtain TN status while my OPT is still active. I've read that the "Management Consultant" category is the most heavily scrutinized when applying for the TN, though I believe that I meet the qualifications.
A couple questions I had:
1) Since I'm already in the US on valid work authorization, I have the option to either apply for the TN at a port-of-entry (POE) or apply for "Change of Status" with the I-129 form. Since I have my OPT for the next several months, timing is not really an issue for me, and the difference in fees is not a huge concern. However, aside from that, can anyone advise on which option would be better/less "risky"?
2) If it's advisable to apply at a port of entry, would I be able to still enter the US on my F1 visa/OPT if my TN request were denied? What other options would I have if it were denied (e.g. could I try again at another POE or go through the change-of-status process)?
3) What are your experiences with the various POEs? My family back home is based in Toronto, so that's where I would be leaving from in Canada.
4) Should I retain the services of a lawyer in preparing my application, or would that just be a waste of money?
Any other advice would be greatly appreciated--I don't know many people who have been in my situation, so I'm hoping that this forum might have some answers
Thanks in advance,
L