Is the US issuing TN visas?
The nonimmigrant NAFTA Professional (TN) visa allows citizens of Canada and Mexico, as NAFTA professionals, to work in the United States in prearranged business activities for U.S. or foreign employers. Permanent residents of Canada and Mexico are not able to apply for TN visas to work as NAFTA professionals.
How fast can you get a TN visa?
This is not a complicated process for NAFTA Professionals, which is why it can take only a few months (2 to 6 months) to receive the TN Visa. However, there is a Premium Processing that allows you as a NAFTA Professional to get your visa in 15 business days at most.
Do TN visas still exist?
The TN visa can be availed only by Canadian and Mexican nationals. The Agreement lists out around 60 professions, that can avail of this visa. The position must be of the nature that it requires a TN professional. The TN applicant must work in a prearranged full-time or part-time job for an employer.
Are TN visas hard to get?
When compared to the process of obtaining other work visas, such as an H-1B Visa or an L-1 Visa, it is rather easy to get a TN Visa. In fact, in many cases you can obtain a TN Visa the same day at a qualifying port of entry.
How much does a TN visa cost?
Entering the U.S. On a TN Visa Canadian TN applicants must pay a $50 fee when entering the U.S, or $56 if crossing the border by car.
Do you need a lawyer for TN visa?
Overview. In short, you do not need a lawyer to successfully apply for a TN status but it could help. Applicants might often choose to apply without a TN visa lawyer if their future US employer can't pay for this extra legal support or if their TN visa case is very straight forward.
Can I apply for TN visa without job offer?
You must have a job offer from a U.S. employer before applying for TN status. You cannot apply on your own without such an offer of employment. The TN visa was originally created under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between Canada, U.S. and Mexico.
Is TN visa better than H1B?
Differences Between TN Visa and H1B Visa H1B visas are much more difficult to obtain but allow for dual intent, while TN visas do not. Also, eligibility for a TN visa is restricted to a list of approved occupations, whereas the H1B only requires that the occupation involves Bachelor degree-level skills or knowledge.
How many TN visas are issued per year?
NAFTA or TN visas are special non-immigrant visas in the United States, Canada and Mexico that offer unique, expedited work authorization....Number of NAFTA visas issued by the U.S. Department of State from 2006 to 2020.CharacteristicNumber of visas issued2017741,8992016817,5172015787,1802014712,7379 more rows•Feb 28, 2022
Does TN visa require interview?
In addition to documentation requirements, the TN visa application process also requires an interview by a U.S. immigration officer.
How long does TN visa take to process?
How Long Does It Take to Process a TN Visa? The initial TN visa processing time can be reviewed and processed within several months with the standard form of processing. If you pay extra for premium processing, the TN visa processing time takes 15 business days.
Can I pay for my own TN visa?
With TN visas, either the employer or the employee may pay all of the costs, including attorney fees, filing fees, and miscellaneous expenses. This is true even if the case is filed with Form I-129 while the applicant is in the US. There are no rules whatsoever which govern payment of these costs.
Is TN visa better than H1B?
Differences Between TN Visa and H1B Visa H1B visas are much more difficult to obtain but allow for dual intent, while TN visas do not. Also, eligibility for a TN visa is restricted to a list of approved occupations, whereas the H1B only requires that the occupation involves Bachelor degree-level skills or knowledge.
How many TN visas are issued per year?
NAFTA or TN visas are special non-immigrant visas in the United States, Canada and Mexico that offer unique, expedited work authorization....Number of NAFTA visas issued by the U.S. Department of State from 2006 to 2020.CharacteristicNumber of visas issued2017741,8992016817,5172015787,1802014712,7379 more rows•Feb 28, 2022
Is there a grace period for TN visa?
TN Visa Grace Periods US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) has established the following grace periods in limited circumstances for TN Visa holders: 10-Day Grace Period. The 10-day grace period allows you to prepare to depart the US or take other actions to extend, change, or otherwise maintain lawful status.
Is TN visa tied to employer?
TN status is employer-specific, meaning NAFTA TN visa holders can work only for the U.S. employer listed on the TN application. Working for an employer different from the one listed in the TN application is a violation of U.S. immigration laws.
How to renew a TN visa?
If your TN Visa is expiring in the next 6 months, the best option is to renew by mail. This requires completing Form I-129 and preparing your TN Visa Application.
How long does it take to get a TN visa?
TN Visa applications are still being processed as these are non-immigrant status permits. Non-immigrant visas will be evaluated in 30 days.
When will USCIS offices open?
As of Jun 04, 2020 USCIS Offices are opening up for limited services with guidelines to adhere to when entering offices.
Is TN visa accepted?
As part of NAFTA / USMCA, new TN Visa Applications are still being accepted by US Immigration and Canadian Officials. Crossing the border for employment is considered “essential work”. Read below for details.
Is TN visa renewal still being processed?
TN Visa Applications and TN Renewals (By mail/I-129 and in person border applications) are still being processed – this is great news ! TN Visa Expert customers are successfully obtaining their TN Visas. Make sure you read the TN Visa Kit chapter on Border preparation to avoid problems during the border interview.
Which countries are extending the non-essential travel ban?
US, Canada and Mexico are extending the “non-essential travel” restriction until it is deemed safe to remove it.
Is Social Security required for TN visa?
Social security numbers are a requirement, so file accordingly. Under the Families First Act funding for COVID-19 testing and treatment is covered for TN Visa holders. USCIC has made it clear the public charge test will not be applied for testing, prevention or treatment of COVID-19 / Coronavirus.
How to apply for a TN visa?
customs as you would on any other trip. When asked about the purpose of your visit, inform the customs officer of your intent to apply for a TN visa. You should be taken to a secondary screening area where customs officials will review your documentation, ask you questions and process your visa request.
What is a TN visa?
TN Visas are a class of visas that allow Mexican and Canadian citizens a way to work in the United States. Unlike other types of visas, you can apply for a TN visa while in the airport.
How long does a TN visa last?
TN visas are only available for jobs which have an (initial) fixed term of three years or less. Your best bet will be to look for contract positions, ideally with an option to renew at the end of the term. 2. Determine if the job involves an eligible TN occupation.
How long does it take to get a TN visa?
Most TN visa requests are processed on the same day of travel for Canadians looking to start their new position immediately upon landing or in the following 24 hours however the process will take at least an hour to complete so plan flight times accordingly.
Can a mistake in TN visa application lead to a visa refusal?
With more than 15 years of experience, we know what immigration officials look for in a TN visa application. A single mistake can lead to visa refusal. Therefore, it is in your best interest to hire an immigration lawyer.
Can Canadians work in TN?
TN visas are only issued to Canadians working in one of the professions specified in Appendix 1603.D.1 of the NAFTA. The majority of the work performed in the position must also be that of the professional category under which you will be applying.
Can a dependent be a TD visa holder?
Spouses and dependent minors under age 21 are eligible for TD visas, should you wish them to travel with you to the United States. While they are ineligible for employment TD visa holders may attend any educational institution within the U.S. If you need to travel ahead of your dependents to begin work note that you will have to return to Canada to apply with them at customs for their TD visas and so, if possible, it is advised that the initial crossing be performed together.
Will Coronavirus Affect My Chances To Recieve a TN Visa?
Due to COVID-19, many visa processes have been suspended to help stop the spread of the virus, but the good news is, TN Visas are not included and are not suspended at this time. It is important to know that during this pandemic, TN Visas can only be processed at some ports of entry or the Service Center due to temporary closures.
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What form do I need to apply for TN?
In addition, when applying for admission, you should have in your possession a copy of the Form I-129, and all supporting documentation that was submitted to USCIS, to respond to questions about your eligibility. You should also be prepared to pay any applicable inspection fees at the time you seek admission. If a CBP officer finds you eligible for admission, you will be admitted as a TN nonimmigrant.
How to qualify for TN classification?
You may establish eligibility for TN classification at the time you seek admission to the United States by presenting required documentation to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at certain CBP-designated U.S. ports of entry or at a designated pre-clearance/pre-flight inspection station. You must provide the following documentation to the CBP officer:
Can I file for TN on behalf of Canadian citizen?
Alternatively, a prospective TN employer may choose to file on behalf of a Canadian citizen who is outside the United States by submitting Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker to USCIS. Premium Processing Service is available.
Can dependents of TN be TD?
Dependents of TN Nonimmigrants. Any accompanying or “following to join” spouse and children under the age of 21 may be eligible for TD non immigrant status. Spouses and children are: Not permitted to work while in the United States, but they are permitted to study.
Can I apply for a TN visa as a nonimmigrant?
If USCIS approves Form I-129, you, the prospective worker, may then apply to CBP for admission to the United States as a TN nonimmigrant by providing the following documentation to a CBP Officer at certain CBP-designated U.S. ports of entry or at a designated pre-clearance/pre-flight inspection station:
How to apply for a new TN visa?
a. Depart the U.S. and apply for a new TN visa at a U.S. Consulate by submitting the letter from the new prospective U.S.-based employer and the same supporting evidence required for the initial visa; or
What does it mean to change employer on TN visa?
Changes in employment, which can include a TN visa change employer, requires notifying immigration to ensure that the foreign national maintains valid nonimmigrant status.
Can I file Form I-129 for TN?
Consulate for Mexicans, the employer should consider filing Form I-129 to obtain an approval from USCIS. The Beneficiary can then present the USCIS Approval Notice to CBP or the U.S. Consulate to obtain entry or the visa, respectively.
Can a TN visaholder change their employer?
TN visa holders have multiple ways to seek a change of employer. Furthermore, there are distinct differences in the way Canadian and Mexican citizens can change their employers, often adding to the confusion of how to navigate the process.
Can you work for an employer on a TN visa?
TN status is employer-specific, meaning NAFTA TN visa holders can work only for the U.S. employer listed on the TN application. Working for an employer different from the one listed in the TN application is a violation of U.S. immigration laws.
How long is a TN valid for?
TN is valid for up to 3 years at a time but is renewable indefinitely as long as the individual does not show immigrant intent
What do employers need to provide for the TN application?
What application materials do employers need to provide for the TN application? In the most basic cases, the employer only needs to provide a letter of support for the employee indicating the job opportunity, the NAFTA profession, dates of employment, compensation, and other basic information.
What form do I need to file for nonimmigrant status?
When submitting the application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the employer also needs to submit Form I-129 (“Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker”). This is the only case where the employer needs to submit the complete application.
How is TN different from traditional sponsorship?
Hiring an employee on TN is different from traditional sponsorship because it requires minimal work for the employer and there are no further obligations for the employer once TN status is granted, besides remaining compliant
What is TN status?
TN status allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to come to the United States to work in certain specialty occupations. But as an employer, the process can be daunting. Who is eligible, where do you submit your application, and how much does it cost? Read on for the answers to these questions and more.
Can a strong TN be rejected?
Strong TN applications are rarely rejected outright. At CBP, unsuccessful TN applications are provided the opportunity to “withdraw,” especially in circumstances where the Canadian employee applies at a pre-clearance facility and is able to stay in Canada. USCIS may often ask for a Request For Evidence (RFE) for applications that are initially not approved
What happens if you try to get a visa?
Attempting to obtain a visa by the willful misrepresentation of a material fact, or fraud, may result in the permanent refusal of a visa or denial of entry into the United States.
How long does a passport need to be valid for a visa interview?
Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview: Passport valid for travel to the United States - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).
What is the NAFTA visa?
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) created special economic and trade relationships for the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Select NAFTA to visit the Office of the United States Trade Representative website and learn more. The nonimmigrant NAFTA Professional (TN) visa allows citizens of Canada and Mexico, as NAFTA professionals, ...
What is the purpose of a visa interview?
During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
When is a NAFTA professional visa required for a Canadian citizen?
When is a NAFTA Professional (TN) visa required for a Canadian citizen? A Canadian who resides in a third country with a non-Canadian spouse and/or child (ren), and who plans to enter the United States as a NAFTA professional with family member (s), will need a TN visa in order for the family member (s) to be eligible to apply for derivative TD nonimmigrant visa (s).
Where to schedule a visa interview?
You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.
Do you need an interview for a visa?
Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.
