Openai/691b7dfb-8d4c-8006-b835-54f81173b3df
This conversation was exported from ChatGPT[1]
gpt-5-1[edit | edit source]
User: Here is some post from someone on Reddit, what would you suggest[edit | edit source]
Here is some post from someone on Reddit, what would you suggest
Assistant: Here’s how I’d look at this situation — calmly, realistically, and strategically:[edit | edit source]
Here’s how I’d look at this situation — calmly, realistically, and strategically:
A lot of people panic when they see an RFE, but in most TN cases (especially CSA / Engineer / PM roles), RFEs are very fixable as long as the response is strong and detailed.[edit | edit source]
The main issue here is poorly written job duties, which is extremely common when HR or lawyers submit generic language.
USCIS is basically saying:
That’s fixable. A well-written RFE response usually solves this.
1. The job duties were too vague[edit | edit source]
- The RFE support was submitted without review
- USCIS wants proof the job fits the Engineer classification
- They want: - A detailed duty breakdown - A manager reference letter - Org chart - Evidence of technical work (not just “managing tasks”)
I strongly agree with the lawyer on this part.[edit | edit source]
If you try to do this while USCIS is reviewing your case, a CBP officer may say:
And the risk is:
- They cancel your current TN
- They refuse you entry
- They add notes to your file
Not guaranteed — but a very real risk.
Best path:[edit | edit source]
- Submit a strong response to the RFE
- Wait for approval
- Then move forward cleanly
The RFE already tells you what USCIS wants. Give it to them in detail — problem solved.
It depends:[edit | edit source]
Worst case: USCIS denies the petition → You still have your current TN, valid until expiration → You can keep working for the old employer → You can apply again with:
- Better duties
- Better lawyer
- Better packet
A denial is a setback, not the end.
Not really — IF they respond properly.[edit | edit source]
This type of RFE is:
- Very normal
- Very common
- Very often approved
The danger only comes if:
- The job description really is non-technical, or
- The lawyer responds weakly
1. Stop thinking about the border option[edit | edit source]
It’s too risky. USCIS already has the file.
- Fix the job duties properly
They should:
- Be technical
- Mention tools, systems, and methods
- Show engineering analysis, not just scheduling
Something like:
—not:
- Get the manager reference letter right
Must clearly say:
- Respond fast, but with quality
Do not rush a low-effort reply. But do not wait 70 days either.
- Do not try to enter while an RFE is open[edit | edit source]
- Fix the duties & documentation
- Let the lawyer respond properly
- This RFE is survivable
- A denial is not the end
- A clean approval now keeps everything simple
If you are in a similar situation with your TN petition: You have a BIG advantage:
You already know what USCIS wants, and you’re building that into your support letter before filing.
User: What if the uscis denies the visa and then can this person enter again through POE?[edit | edit source]
What if the uscis denies the visa and then can this person enter again through POE?
Assistant: Short answer: Yes, they can still go to a Port of Entry afterward — it's not automatically blocked.[edit | edit source]
Short answer: Yes, they can still go to a Port of Entry afterward — it's not automatically blocked. But it depends on timing, evidence, and how the denial happened.
Let’s break it down realistically:
💡 Key Rule:[edit | edit source]
A USCIS denial does NOT permanently block you from getting a TN at the border.
TN classification is decided two ways:
- USCIS (if filing I-129 from inside the U.S.)
- CBP at the border (POE / pre-clearance)
They are separate pathways — they don’t cancel each other out.
If USCIS Denies the TN Petition[edit | edit source]
Here’s what happens:
❌ The I-129 is denied[edit | edit source]
- You cannot start the new job under USCIS approval
- But your current TN status stays valid (if you have one and haven’t quit)
USCIS denial does NOT = deportation, ban, or blacklist.
Can they still try at a border afterward?[edit | edit source]
Yes — but with strategy.[edit | edit source]
Think of it like:
- “USCIS said no — but I have new evidence, here it is, let’s try again.”
CBP is allowed to approve a TN even after USCIS rejected one.
It happens all the time.
But here's the catch:[edit | edit source]
They must fix the problem that caused the denial.
If the denial was because:
- duties didn’t match the profession
- insufficient proof
- vague job duties
Then going to the border with the same weak package = very likely refusal again.
Best-case path after a denial:[edit | edit source]
✔ Stronger job letter ✔ Fix job title if needed ✔ More technical duties ✔ Manager letter ✔ Org chart ✔ Degree + transcripts ✔ Employer support letter ✔ TN category clearly stated
And then:
➡ Go to Victoria / Toronto / Vancouver / Montreal / land border ➡ Present the new packet ➡ Argue the case properly
What’s the risk at POE after denial?[edit | edit source]
⭐ They might approve it — happens often ⭐ They might ask questions — be prepared ⚠ They could say:
- “USCIS just denied this. Prove why we should approve it.”
Worst case: ❌ They refuse the TN ❌ You're told to re-apply later
They do not ban you or cancel your existing TN.
Important Scenario[edit | edit source]
If they still have a valid TN with another employer, they can:
- Enter on the current TN
- Work for the old employer
- Re-file properly later
So the new job is delayed — not lost forever.
The Real Danger Is:[edit | edit source]
If the person:
- already quit their old job
- already moved
- has no fallback TN
Then denial = serious trouble.
Summary in simple terms:[edit | edit source]
USCIS denial ≠ permanent block You can still go to a border.
But:
- You need a stronger application
- You need to fix what USCIS objected to
- CBP must be convinced the job fits the TN category
A LOT of TN approvals happen after USCIS denials.
It just has to be handled smartly.
If you want, NEXT I can:
- Tell you exactly how to rebuild a TN packet after denial
- Help you rewrite the job duties to satisfy CSA category
- Show how to prepare a border strategy that works even after an RFE/denial
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ "RFE response strategy". ChatGPT. Retrieved 2025-11-18.