Choosing the Best U.S. Border Crossing for Your TN Visa Application

Kia Gharibi
October 20, 2024
|8 minute read

When applying for a TN visa, selecting the right border crossing is crucial. The following tips will help when planning your trip to the border.
Don’t just pick the least visited border crossing.
Many applicants believe choosing a quieter border with fewer TN visa applications will make the process smoother. However, this strategy can backfire. At these less busy ports, officers may be more stringent during the interview. They may suspect you're trying to take advantage of their perceived lack of experience, making the process more challenging.
Head to the U.S. border from within Canada
It’s best to choose a direct route from Canada to the U.S versus landing in the U.S. for example after visiting Europe. By doing this, you know immediately if your visa is approved or denied prior to actually leaving Canada. By traveling to the U.S. from outside of Canada, it increases the risk of travel complications. If your application is denied upon arrival in the U.S. at customs, you’ll face the stress of last-minute travel arrangements to leave the country.
Be careful when changing the Port of Entry in the event of an initial rejection
Finally, if you've been rejected before for a TN visa, going to a different Port of Entry may not always improve your chances. U.S. border systems are connected across the regions, and officers can see your previous denials. They may question why you're attempting at a different crossing, which could raise more red flags.
For a smoother process, let SimpleTN guide you through your TN visa application and help you avoid unnecessary complications when applying and crossing the border. Contact us today!