Where you can apply
Canadian citizens can apply for TN at U.S. ports of entry and at U.S. preclearance facilities in Canada. Preclearance operates at the airports in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto (Pearson and Billy Bishop), Ottawa, Montréal and Halifax, among other locations.
Designated ports for first-time applicants
CBP encourages Canadians seeking TN (or L-1) for the first time to use designated locations, where it provides optimized processing. You’re not prohibited from applying elsewhere.
Airport preclearance
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (Ontario)
- Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (Quebec)
- Vancouver International Airport (British Columbia)
- Calgary International Airport (Alberta)
Land ports
| Port | State |
|---|---|
| Blaine (Peace Arch) | Washington |
| Sweetgrass | Montana |
| Detroit, Ambassador Bridge | Michigan |
| Detroit-Windsor Tunnel | Michigan |
| Buffalo, Peace Bridge | New York |
| Niagara Falls, Rainbow Bridge | New York |
| Alexandria Bay | New York |
| Champlain | New York |
| Highgate Springs | Vermont |
| Derby Line | Vermont |
This is the list CBP published for optimized TN and L-1 processing. Check cbp.gov for the current list before you travel.
What happens, step by step
- Timing. CBP may admit TN professionals up to 10 days before the start date on the letter. Don’t plan to arrive earlier than that.
- Primary inspection. Tell the officer you’re applying for TN status as [your profession]. You’ll normally be referred to secondary inspection.
- Secondary inspection. Hand over your packet: passport, signed employer letter, credential evidence, then supporting documents. The officer reviews them and asks questions.
- Decision and fee. If admitted, you pay the fee and receive an electronic I-94 record showing TN status and an end date.
- Before you leave the counter, confirm the class of admission and the dates you were given.
What officers typically ask
Questions usually test that the job matches the profession and that the packet is consistent. Be ready to describe, in your own words:
- What you’ll do day to day.
- Your employer, title, and who you report to.
- Where you’ll work, your start date and your salary.
- Your credential and how it relates to the job.
- That the stay is temporary.
Answer directly and truthfully. If you don’t know something, say so. Never add or embellish facts to fit a category.
Practical tips
- At an airport, arrive well before your usual check-in time and keep the whole packet in your carry-on.
- At a land crossing, avoid holiday weekends and rush hours, and expect to park and go inside.
- Bring originals where you have them, plus one set of copies.
- Have a card ready for the fees.
Fees
A US$50 TN processing fee, plus at land crossings an I-94 fee of US$30 per person (since September 30, 2025). No TN fee applies to TD family members. Confirm current amounts on cbp.gov.
After you’re admitted
- Within a few days, look up your I-94 at i94.cbp.dhs.gov. Check the class shows TN and the end date is what you expected; ask CBP to correct errors promptly.
- Keep copies of your packet for your Social Security number application, driver’s licence and next renewal.
- If you’re not admitted, listen carefully to the reasons and consider speaking with a U.S. immigration lawyer before trying again.
Walk in with a complete packet
TNPath’s PDF guide includes a port-of-entry section tailored to where you’ll apply.
Common questions
Can I apply for TN at any border crossing?
Canadians may apply at U.S. ports of entry and preclearance facilities. CBP encourages first-time TN applicants to use its designated ports for optimized processing, but doesn’t prohibit other ports.
How early can I cross before my start date?
CBP may admit TN professionals up to 10 days before the start of the approved period. Plan your entry around the start date on your letter.
Do I get anything on paper?
Admission is recorded electronically in your I-94 record. Print it from the CBP I-94 website and keep it with your documents.
Will TNPath tell me whether I qualify?
No. TNPath is a document-assembly tool. It organizes the facts you provide into templates and gives general information. It doesn’t make eligibility determinations or recommend case-specific strategy. Only U.S. Customs and Border Protection decides whether to admit you.
Sources
- CBP: Traveling on a TN or L-1 from Canada
- CBP: For Canadian and Mexican citizens
- Public Safety Canada: Preclearance in Canada
- CBP: I-94 official website
- CBP Help: I-94 payment process
- 8 CFR 214.6: Citizens of Canada or Mexico seeking TN status (Cornell LII)
Last reviewed September 29, 2026. General information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with official sources before you travel.