tn trouble

you can't get work authorisation until they provide a letter as that is part of the requirements for a tn visa

requirements for canadian citizens

canadian citizens usually do not need a visa as a nafta professional, although a visa can be issued to qualified tn visa applicants upon request. however, a canadian residing in another country with a non-canadian spouse and children would need a visa to enable the spouse and children to be able to apply for a visa to accompany or join the nafta professional, as a td visa holder. to apply for visa, please see the requirements under the section mexican citizens - applying for a tn visa - required documentation.

a canadian citizen without a tn visa can apply at a u.s. port of entry with all of the following:

* request for admission under tn status to department of homeland security, customs and border protection, u.s. immigration officer;

* employment letter - evidence of professional employment. see employment letter below;

* proof of professional qualifications, such as transcripts of grades, licenses, certificates, degrees, and/or records of previous employment;

* proof of ability to meet applicable license requirements;

* proof of canadian citizenship- canadian citizens may present a passport, as visas are not required, or they may provide secondary evidence, such as a birth certificate. however, canadian citizens traveling to the united states from outside the western hemisphere are required to present a valid passport at the port-of-entry;

* fee of u.s. $50

employment letter

the employer in the u.s. must provide to the applicant a letter of employment in the united states. the letter must indicate that the position in question in the u.s. requires the employment of a person in a professional capacity, consistent with the nafta chapter 16, annex 1603, appendix 1603.d.1.

the applicant must present evidence of professional employment to satisfy the consular officer of your plans to be employed in prearranged business activities for a u.s. employer(s) or entity(ies) at a professional level. part-time employment is permitted. self-employment is not permitted. an employment letter or contract providing a detailed description of the business activities may be provided from the u.s. or foreign employer, and should state the following:

* activity in which the applicant shall be engaged;

* purpose of entry;

* anticipated length of stay;

* educational qualifications or appropriate credentials demonstrating professional status;

* evidence of compliance with dhs regulations, and/or state laws; and

* arrangements for pay.

* although not required, proof of licensure to practice a given profession in the united states may be offered along with a job offer letter, or other documentation in support of a tn visa application.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1274.html

Thank you silverdragon. I understand what you are saying but I'm concerned when I explain it tomorrow, they will have difficulty comprehending "not getting worth authorization without the letter".

Try printing the information from the link I gave you to show them. That does come direct from the government and should be more than enough for them to see what they have to do for you to get work authorisation (TN visa)

Thanks so much.