On October 1, 2012, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services began accepting petitions filed on behalf of Canadian citizens who are outside the United States and are seeking classification as a TN nonimmigrant.

Previously, Canadian applicants who were seeking TN status were required to present themselves at the border to apply for TN status, unless they were already in the U.S. Now, however, a prospective U.S. employer may choose to file form I-129 on behalf of a Canadian citizen, before appearing at the border If the petition is approved, the Canadian citizen then goes to the border to apply for admission to the United States as a TN nonimmigrant. Canadian citizens may still apply directly at the border for TN admission. However, it is hoped that this new development will reduce some of the stress and anxiety that border crossings sometimes produce. For additional information, please click here.