Have TN Visa. What's next?

[Travel_Lusting]

Hi all,

I am a Canadian RN trying to do some travel nursing in US. I was just issued the TN visa screen certificate. I am wondering what's the next step.

I have been in contact with several different companies. The larger ones have immigration specialists but most people have advised me to stay away from those companies (Nurse Rx and AMN). The smaller companies are very personable but seem completely perplexed by hiring a Canadian RN. Does anyone have any experience with this? Is there a specific company you can recommend?

Thanks so much.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

All they need to do is find you a job and employer has to provide you with a letter of employment. The you appear at the border with the various documents and visa is issued. Not sure how this would work with travel agencies

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

TN visa screen certificate just means you meet requirements as a nurse you still need a employment letter and TN visa is issued once all relevant documents are provided at the border

[Travel_Lusting]

Can anyone recommend a travel company for Canadian RNs to work in US? I have posted same on travel forum. So far the companies I have spoken with are underwhelming.

[Creamsoda, ASN, RN]

You probably find the companies underwhelming because they can be. From what im told travel nursing was not what it was years ago. That being said, I started traveling 4 years ago and I still made decent pay because of the housing stipends and what not. Anyway I have worked with cross country and I do like them. There was a smaller company I did an assignment with- Providence Healthcare Staffing and they were more flexible with me and did provide me with more on a contract that I knew cross country would.

For your first time at the border it wouldnt be a terrible idea to go with a company that can walk you through it as it can be intimidating. They will tell you exactly what paperwork you need.

You need- original documents

CGFNS visa screen certificate

Degree

Offer of employment from your company. Remember if your employer is the travel company, you work for them, not the hospital. When they write out the letter make sure its for the 3 year term. I had mine screwed up and was only issued it for the 13 week contract time and had to go back to the border for a new one.

Passport, birth certificate is probably a good idea

I also always bring my various state nursing licencses.

That should be all you need. But my first time through, having someone explain everything, what to expect, what to say ect was helpfull. They know how to make sure you go through the border swiftly as they have likely had to help their nurses deal with problems so they know what to avoid. It really is a simple process as long as you have your paperwork in order. Also dont forget you need a SS card, that can take some time as well. My first company I traveled with paid for me to fly to a US social security office for the day so I could apply for it sooner.

[Travel_Lusting]

Hi Creamsoda, I haven't been on the site for some time so I am just getting your response. Thank you so much. Did you travel with cross country the first time you crossed the border? Also, do you have to commit to working with them for an extended period in order for them to give you a letter for a 3 year term? How long did it take to get your SS number? Thanks again.