How long can a TN visa holder stay in the US?
How long can you stay in the U.S. on a TN Visa? The maximum period a TN visa can be granted for is 3 years. On paper, TN visas can be extended in three-year increments indefinitely as long as the holder satisfies all the requirements. The reality of extending the TN visa is unfortunately not that simple.
How can I extend my TN visa?
If you want to extend the period that your TN visa is valid, your employer can file a Form I-129 extension petition with USCIS. If your job continues to satisfy the TN requirements, your stay will be extended. There are specific time periods and processing times that apply to extension petitions.
What is a TN visa and how does it work?
What is a TN Visa? The TN visa enables Canadian and Mexican citizens to be admitted to the U.S. to temporarily engage in business activities at a professional level in certain fields, for one or more employers. 2. Who is eligible for TN Visa?
How many times can you renew a TN visa?
There is no limitation on the number of times a participant can renew. The TN visa holder’s spouse and/or children under the age of 21 may be eligible for TD nonimmigrant status. This status allows dependents to enter the U.S. with the TN visa holder and be granted the same period of stay.
Is TN visa easy 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 long does a TN visa?
three yearsHow Long Does a TN Visa Last? TN visa holders have an initial stay in the U.S. of three years. After that period, TN visa holders can apply for unlimited renewals that are granted in three-year increments.
How much is a TN visa?
The TN Visa is very inexpensive. Total cost at Border = $56 USD. $50 for the filing fee and $6 for I-94 fee. Pay at the border at the time of applying for the TN Visa.
How long does it take to get TN visa at airport?
Applying for a TN visa through the USCIS The current wait time for a TN application filed through the USCIS is approximately 2-3 months.
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 early can I get TN visa?
There is no defined time, but Immigration Officers will approve your application 1 week before the start date. If you attempt to apply 2 weeks or more, you may be told to come back closer to your tn visa start date.
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.
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 green card with TN visa?
Can TN visa holders transition to a green card? This is one of the most common questions that TN visa holders ask, especially after they have spent some time in the U.S. The short answer is yes, it is indeed possible to obtain permanent resident status as a TN visa holder.
How long is a TN visa interview?
TN interviews can be as little as 15 minutes or as long as 3 hours. However, most of this time is typically spent waiting for your immigration officer before the interview or waiting for a decision after your interview.
What happens if TN visa is denied?
If you have been denied a TN Visa for any reason, don't panic. Some TN Visa denials cannot be overcome, but depending on the reasons behind your denial, there may be options to make corrections, return to the port of entry with the correct documentation, reapply, and still obtain approval of your TN Visa.
Can I travel outside of the US with a TN visa?
Answer: Yes! You can travel abroad while on a TN Visa. Remember to keep your Form I-94.
Can TN visa be renewed indefinitely?
TN status has a maximum period of validity of three years. It may be renewed indefinitely, but it must be done every three years. If an alien wishes to stay beyond the time indicated on their I-94 card, they must seek an extension of stay.
How long can you stay in U.S. after TN visa expires?
There is no grace period for expired TN visa and you cannot stay in the country without status. Otherwise, your EB-5 petition will be negatively impacted.
How many times can I extend my TN visa?
How long can Canadians stay in the U.S.? The maximum period a TN visa can be granted is 3 years. On paper, TN visas can be extended in three-year increments indefinitely as long as the holder satisfies all the requirements.
Can TN visa be converted to green card?
Can TN visa holders transition to a green card? This is one of the most common questions that TN visa holders ask, especially after they have spent some time in the U.S. The short answer is yes, it is indeed possible to obtain permanent resident status as a TN visa holder.
1. What is a TN Visa?
The TN visa enables Canadian and Mexican citizens to be admitted to the U.S. to temporarily engage in business activities at a professional level i...
2. Who is eligible for TN Visa?
You are eligible for this visa if you are a citizen of Mexico or Canada who works in a professional occupation and: Your profession is on the NAFTA...
3. How can I obtain a TN visa as a Canadian?
You must provide the following at the port of entry: A request for TN status A copy of your college degree and employment records which establish q...
4. How can I obtain a TN visa as a Mexican?
As of January 1, 2004 the procedures were simplified for Mexicans by removing the requirement for petition approval and for filing of a labor condi...
5. What are the documents required to apply for TN status as a Canadian?
Your application for TN status as a Canadian must include: 1. Proof of Canadian citizenship. This could be your passport, birth certificate, or c...
6. Can I travel outside the U.S. on TN status?
Yes, you may leave the U.S. and be re-admitted for the remainder of the period of authorized stay as indicated on Form I-94, Arrival Departure reco...
7. Can I bring my dependants into the U.S. on TN visa?
Yes, your spouse and unmarried, minor children are entitled to enter the U.S. on derivative TD status .
8. Can my dependants work in the U.S. on derivative TD status?
No, your spouse and unmarried, minor children are unable to accept employment in the U.S. on derivative TD status.
9. How can I apply for extension of temporary stay on TN visa as a Canadian?
If you are a Canadian citizen, admitted as a NAFTA professional you may seek an extension of stay, which may be granted up to one year. If you are...
How long does it take to get an extension for a TN visa?
There are specific time periods and processing times that apply to extension petitions. Your employer cannot file an extension petition before 6 months till the end of your current TN visa. Processing times for this extension can take anything from 2 to 7 months, but fortunately, USCIS has a premium processing service available at an additional cost. Processing time on this premium service is 15 calendar days.
How long can you stay in the U.S. on a TN Visa?
How long can Canadians stay in the U.S.? The maximum period a TN visa can be granted is 3 years. On paper, TN visas can be extended in three-year increments indefinitely as long as the holder satisfies all the requirements. The reality of extending the TN visa is unfortunately not that simple. There are many factors that can influence the time you can stay in the U.S. on a TN visa.
How to apply for a TN visa in Mexico?
There are various steps and the order of the steps and how they are to be completed will vary at the different embassies or consulates. 1. Complete the Online Visa Application Form. This is a Form DS-160 and can be completed online.
What to do if your TN visa is approved?
If your application is approved, you will have to take part in an immigration interview to move forward with your TN visa application. Check out this list of interview questions for the TN visa if you want to brush up on the best answers ahead of your interview.
What is a TN visa?
NAFTA stands for North American Free Trade Agreement. NAFTA created special trade and economic relationships between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The TN visa allows Canadian and Mexican citizens, as NAFTA professionals, to work in prearranged business activities in the U.S. for U.S. or foreign employers.
What to know when applying for TN?
An important factor to keep in mind for both Canadians and Mexicans is that when you apply for TN status, you need to make sure you establish “non-immigrant intent”. This will show immigration officials a clear intention that you are not planning to stay in the U.S. on a permanent basis and that you intend to return to your home country.
How long is a passport valid for?
Your passport, which is valid for travel to the U.S. for 6 months beyond your planned period of stay. Some countries are exempted from this 6-month requirement.
What is TN visa?
The TN Visa was created by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in order to facilitate temporary employment in the United States for approved Canadian and Mexican citizens. The purpose was to strengthen business and trade relations between the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
How to renew TN visa?
The process of renewing or extending your TN status can be carried out by filing Form I-129H1 along with proof of the TN status holder’s education/citizenship and a letter addressing the need for the extension. At the point in which the job or TN status officially expires, individuals are required to leave the country. Unlike the H-1B grace period, TN visas do not have this leeway period.
How long does it take to get an I-129H1?
Generally, you can expect it to take about six months to process your I-129H1.
How many professions qualify for a TN visa?
Here is a list of the 60 professions that qualify you for a TN visa:
Can a spouse work in the US with a TD visa?
The TN visa holder’s spouse and/or children under the age of 21 may be eligible for TD nonimmigrant status. This status allows dependents to enter the U.S. with the TN visa holder and be granted the same period of stay. There are some restrictions to the TD nonimmigrant status for dependents. Spouses and children are not permitted to work while in the United States, but they are permitted to study.
What is a TN visa?
The TN visa enables Canadian and Mexican citizens to be admitted to the U.S. to temporarily engage in business activities at a professional level in certain fields, for one or more employers.
How many photos are required for a visa in Mexico?
One 2×2 photograph. (A photograph is not required if you are applying in Mexico.)
How long is a TN visa valid?
After you get the TN visa, it is first valid for 3 years Afterwards, there is a possibility to extend it for an additional 3 years indefinitely. This means, that as long as you are employed in the U.S and can prove ties to your home country in either Canada or Mexico, you are allowed to remain in the U.S on a TN visa.
What is TN Visa?
The TN Visa is a U.S non-immigrant visa, so those who get it have to return to their home countries upon its expiration. It allows only citizens of Canada and Mexico, not permanent residents to work in the U.S if they find a job beforehand. The agreement specifies the types of TN visa jobs and occupations that visa holders are allowed to engage in. There are around 63 occupations for which Canadians and Mexicans qualify to work on. These include lawyers, scientists, engineers, teachers, etc. To check whether you qualify in any of the professions, visit the NAFTA website.
What are the requirements for a TN visa?
The general requirements for people to qualify for the TN visa are: Applicants must be citizens of Canada or Mexico. Their occupation must be on the NAFTA list. They must have a full time or part time job offer from an employer in the U.S.
How much does it cost to get a visa in Mexico?
Pay the visa application fee of $160 (for Mexican citizens only) and any other applicable fees
How many types of TN visas are there?
There are two types of TN visa based on nationality:
What is temporary entry in NAFTA?
Temporary entry, as defined in the NAFTA, means entry without the intent to establish permanent residence. The alien must satisfy the inspecting immigration officer that the proposed stay is temporary. A temporary period has a reasonable, finite end that does not equate to permanent residence. In order to establish that the alien’s entry will be temporary, the alien must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the inspecting immigration officer that his or her work assignment in the United States will end at a predictable time and that he or she will depart upon completion of the assignment.
Is there a cap on TN visa?
And third, there are no caps to the TN visa. Whereas the H-1B visa has a cap of 65,000 people who are allowed to go to the U.S with that visa, the TN visa does not have a limit. This means that any citizen of Canada or Mexico who fulfills the requirements can get the TN visa.
How long is the TN visa good for?
The TN visa can now be obtained for a maximum period of 3 years upon each application. Sometimes this period of time is limited to less than 3 years if it is clear from the application that the applicant’s services are needed for less time.
How far in advance of my start date can I apply for a TN visa?
It is very important for you to be aware of the protocol of the particular ports you’re considering. If you are applying by mailing an application to the Vermont Service Center, you can apply up to 6 months in advance of the start-date.
How do I apply for a TN?
You can apply for a TN at a port-of-entry, such as a land border, pre-flight clearance, or at an airport in the United States after arriving from an international flight. On October 1, 2012, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) began accepting TN visa applications on behalf of Canadians situated outside of the United States by mail at the Vermont Service Center (VSC). Applying through the VSC requires an additional fee and is more time consuming than applying at a port-of-entry, but it does offer applicants and United States employers some benefits and added flexibility
What are the filing fees for a Canadian NAFTA TN Visa?
If you elect to file your application by mail and wish to expedite the process via premium processing, the additional filing fee for this service is $1,225.
What are the legal fees for TN Visa representation?
Give us a call and we will be happy to discuss our affordable fee structure with you. Rest easy, that Lightman Law Firm prides itself in offering the highest level of service at an affordable FLAT rate. You will never experience any pressure or obligation to work with us.
Is there a quota or lottery for the TN visa like there is for the H-1b visa?
No, the great thing about the TN visa is that there is no quota or lottery like there is for the H-1B visa.
What is the maximum period of time that I can be in the United States in the TN status?
However, in practice we have seen that certain ports of entry and the Vermont Service Center tend to apply more scrutiny when you have been in the United States in the TN status for 6+ years .
How long does it take to get an extension for a TN extension?
You should check into the latest USCIS processing times for I-129 extension petitions. The earliest your employer may file an extension petition for you is six months before the end of your current TN status. At the time of this article, USCIS processing times for TN extensions ranged between two and four months.
How long does a TN job last?
When U.S. immigration officials are deciding how long to admit you for as a TN worker, they are focusing on how long your TN position in the U.S. will last. A management-consulting position for a single merger between two companies, for example, will likely last only until the merger is completed. Similarly, a graphic designer position creating a single website for a client would likely not take a full three years to finish. Immigration officials will use common sense in ferreting out how long your TN position will last.
How to extend TN residency?
One way of extending your TN is through an I-129 extension petition filed by your employer with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). So long as USCIS determines that your work continues to satisfy the requirements for a TN position, it will extend your stay. The same caveats noted earlier about how much time immigration officials will actually grant you still apply.
How long does it take for a USCIS extension to be processed?
USCIS has a Premium Processing service available where, for an additional fee, your extension is processed in 15 calendar days. Bear in mind, though, that USCIS may still ask for additional evidence or documents, thus delaying your case.
What happens if you leave the US and are denied your TN reapplication?
The most obvious risk is that if you leave the U.S. and are denied your TN reapplication, you could be prevented from returning to the United States.
Can I file an I-129 extension for TN?
employer? So long as your new position still satisfies the requirements for TN status this should not be a problem. Your new employer can file an I-129 TN extension for you, or you can apply as before at a U.S. port of entry.
Is TN status secure?
The Internet is not necessarily secure and emails sent through this site could be intercepted or read by third parties. If you are a Mexican or Canadian citizen, TN status can be an ideal means of legally entering and working in the United States.
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.