In September 2014, U.S. Customs and Border Protection designated ports of entry (POEs) for optimized processing of first-time Canadian applicants for admission in the TN or L-1 categories. Designating POEs for optimized processing ensures a more efficient approach to processing the high volume of TN and L1 applicants.
Question: | Which ports of entry are designated for optimized processing? |
Answer: | Fourteen total ports (below) are designated, to include 4 preclearance locations. |
Question: | I am a first time TN and L1 applicant – am I required to go to a designated port of entry? |
Answer: | No, you may continue to go to any port of entry along the Canadian border for processing; however, we encourage you to go to one of the designated ports of entry where you will receive optimized processing. |
Question: | How can Canadian citizens obtain TN and L1 classifications? |
Answer: | Canadian citizens can continue to apply for TN and L classifications at U.S. ports of entry or U.S. preclearance facilities with the required documentation. |
Question: | What are TN and L nonimmigrant classifications? |
Answer: | The TN nonimmigrant classification permits qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to seek temporary entry into the United States to engage in business activities at a professional level. The L-1 nonimmigrant classification - Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager – enables a U.S. employer to transfer an executive or manager from one of its affiliated foreign offices to one of its offices in the United States. This classification also enables a foreign company that does not yet have an affiliated U.S. office to send an executive or manager to the U.S. with the purpose of establishing one. |
Detroit Canada Tunnel POE 150 E. Jefferson Detroit, MI 48226 |
Detroit Ambassador Bridge POE 3033 Porter Street Detroit, MI 48216 Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday |
Sweetgrass POE 39825 Interstate 15 Sweetgrass, MT 59484 Hours of Operation: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday - Friday |
Alexandria Bay POE 46735 Interstate 81 Alexandria Bay, NY 13607 |
Champlain POE 232 West Service Road Champlain, NY 12919 Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday |
Peace Bridge POE One Peace Bridge Plaza Buffalo, NY 14213 Appointments: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday – Friday |
Lewiston Bridge POE One Lewiston Bridge Plaza Lewiston, NY 14092 Appointments: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday – Friday |
Rainbow Bridge POE One Rainbow Bridge Niagara Falls, NY 14330 Appointments: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday – Friday |
Highgate Springs POE Interstate 89 at the Border Highgate Springs, VT 05460 Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday - Thursday |
Derby Line POE Interstate 91 Derby Line, VT 05830 Hours of Operation: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Tuesday - Thursday |
Blaine Peace Arch POE 123 Second Street Blaine, WA 98230 Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday - Thursday |
Calgary International Airport P.O. Box 155 2000 Airport Road, NE Calgary, Alberta T2E6W5 Hours of Operation: 4:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Daily |
Lester B. Pearson International Airport P.O. Box 115 Toronto AMF Toronto, Ontario L5P 1A2 Hours of Operation: 4:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Daily |
Trudeau International Airport 975 Romeo Vachon Boulevard, North Room TT 2.400 Dorval, Quebec H4Y1H1 Hours of Operation: 4:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Daily |
Vancouver International Airport International Terminal - Level 3 3161 Grant McConachie Way Richmond, British Columbia V7B0A4 Hours of Operation: 4:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Daily |