How long can I get a TN visa for?
The TN Visa can be obtained for a time period of one (1) day and up to a maximum of three (3) years at a time, as long as the passport presented has a validity date throughout the requested period of admission.
How long does it take to process TN to green card?
Processing Timeline. Overall, the TN visa to green card process can take between six months and a year, sometimes more. Much of it depends on how busy your service center and/or U.S. consulate is. Unfortunately, there is no way to expedite this process.
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.
How do I apply for a TN visa border application?
Prior to making a TN Visa border application, you should speak with an experienced TN Visa lawyer to make sure you have the necessary supporting documents and that you meet the qualifications under the USCMA. Prospective TN employers may choose to file on behalf of a Canadian citizen who is outside the United States by submitting Form I-129.
Are TN visas 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 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.
How long is 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 does it cost for a TN visa?
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.
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.
How early can you cross the border for 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 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.
Can TN visa lead to green card?
Can TN Visa Holders in the U.S. Transition to a Green Card? One of the most common questions that TN visa workers have is whether they can move from such a visa to a green card or not. The answer for that is: yes, you can most certainly do so.
How much does it cost an employer to sponsor a TN visa?
No Requirement To Pay Fees Unlike the H-1B visa category, an employer is not required to pay any of the costs associated with filing for a TN visa. Under the H-1B visa program, employers are generally required to pay all costs such as government filings fees and any associated legal fees.
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 I need a lawyer to apply for a 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.
Do you need a job offer for a TN visa?
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.
Can you get a TN visa at the border?
Jun 7, 2021. Canadians applying for TN status can file the application when seeking entry to the United States at Customs and Border Protection (CBP), without needing a visa ahead of time.
Which port of entry is best for TN visa?
Ports of Entry Designated for Optimized L1/TN Processing for First-Time Canadian ApplicantsDetroit Canada Tunnel POE.Detroit Ambassador Bridge POE.Sweetgrass POE.Alexandria Bay POE.Champlain POE.Peace Bridge POE.Rainbow Bridge POE.Highgate Springs POE.More items...
Do you need appointment for TN visa?
If you will be applying for a TN visa or an L-1 Visa in the Port of Buffalo, you must call ahead to schedule your appointment. Walk-in appointments are not accepted.
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.
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 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.
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 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 TN visa?
The TN Visa for NAFTA Professionals is a type of visa that allows citizens of Mexico and Canada (only as NAFTA professionals) to work in the U.S. by pre-arranging business activities for U.S. or foreign employers. This document is available only for the citizens of these countries under NAFTA, not for permanent residents.
How long does it take to get a NAFTA visa?
However, there is a Premium Processing that allows you as a NAFTA Professional to get your visa in 15 business days at most.
How does apply with iVisa.com work?
iVisa.com is an entitled company that distributes visas and other travel documents. We do not process TN Visa for NAFTA Professionals yet, but we are working very hard to include an automatic service to process this visa in the most comfortable and fastest way possible. In the meantime, feel free to explore our website if you are searching for other documents to travel abroad. As for the benefits you get using our services, here are some:
How much does it cost to apply for a visa in the US?
and changes the visa status. However, applying via CBP at a port of entry can cost USD50 (only for Canadians).
How to apply for I-129?
Apply through an online application. Your employer must submit Form I-129 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services so that you can seek entry once the application is approved. You will have to seek entry at a U.S. port of entry.
How many steps are there in the application process?
Generally speaking, the application process has only between 3 and 4 steps, but it depends on your nationality.
Can a Canadian employee withdraw from a TN visa?
Valid TN Visa applications are hardly rejected, but in that case, the employee can make use of a “withdrawal”, especially if the applicant is a Canadian employee and he or she applies at a pre-clearance facility.
What is a TN visa?
The TN visa is a nonimmigrant work visa designed specifically for the citizens of Mexico and Canada to work temporarily in the U.S. provided that they have a certain occupation. These two countries are joined with the U.S. by the North American Free Trade Agreement (or NAFTA) and the workers that come and go through TN status are referred to as NAFTA professionals. Here are the main requirements for a TN visa: 1 You must be a citizen of either Mexico or Canada—lawful permanent residents of these countries are not eligible. 2 You are not self-employed 3 You must have a part-time or full-time position with a U.S. employer for one of the following positions that require NAFTA professionals:#N#Accountant#N#Plant Breeder#N#Poultry Scientist#N#Soil Scientist#N#Zoologist#N#Landscape Architect#N#Forester#N#Graphic Designer#N#Chemist#N#Dairy Scientist#N#Entomologist#N#Epidemiologist#N#Geneticist#N#Hotel Manager#N#Industrial Designer#N#Interior Designer#N#Land Surveyor#N#Lawyer#N#Management Consultant#N#Mathematician#N#Librarian#N#Urban Planner#N#Vocational Counselor#N#Dentist#N#Dietitian#N#Medical Laboratory Technologist#N#Range Manager#N#Research Assistant#N#Scientific Technician#N#Social Worker#N#Technical Publications Writer#N#Pharmacist#N#Physician#N#Physiotherapist#N#Psychologist#N#Recreational Therapist#N#Registered Nurse#N#Seminary Professor#N#University Professor#N#Veterinarian#N#Architect#N#Computer Systems Analyst#N#Economist#N#Engineer#N#Agriculturist#N#Animal Breeder/Scientist#N#Agriculturist#N#Astronomer#N#Biochemist#N#Biologist#N#Geochemist#N#Geologist#N#Geophysicist#N#Horticulturist#N#Meteorologist#N#Pharmacologist#N#Physicist#N#Nutritionist#N#Occupational Therapist#N#College Professor
How much does a TN visa cost?
As far as cost is concerned, you are only responsible for the I-129 processing fee of $460, an application fee of $50, and an I-94 arrival/departure card fee of $6, totaling at $516, far less than the average nonimmigrant visa.
What is the priority date for green card?
If you are not familiar with priority dates, here is a quick explanation. When you file your green card petition, the date that the USCIS receives it will be marked as your priority date. This date is yours and does not change. The priority date must be compared to another date called the “final action date”. You will find this posted in the monthly visa bulletin released by the Department of State. Final action dates usually change every month and are assigned based on the type of green card and the beneficiary’s country of origin.
How long does it take to get a green card after marriage?
You will need to wait until the I-130 has been approved (4-6 months ) Then you can travel to the U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country (Montreal for Canada and Juarez for Mexico) for an interview with a consular officer to determine the validity of your marriage. If approved, you will receive your green card.
How long do you have to be an employee to get an L-1 visa?
You need to have been an employee in the overseas branch for at least one year in the three years preceding your L-1 petition. Here is an example where it would work if you had a TN visa:
What are the requirements for a TN visa?
Here are the main requirements for a TN visa: You must be a citizen of either Mexico or Canada—lawful permanent residents of these countries are not eligible. The TN is divided into two categories. The TN-1 is for Canadian citizens and the TN-2 is for Mexican citizens.
Can I file for a dual visa?
Once you have a dual intent visa, you can immediately file the petition for your green card. If you are going for an employment-based green card you will need to either file an I-140 petition for alien worker or have an employer file one on your behalf. There are some green cards that allow you to self-petition (such as the EB-1A and the EB-2 with a National Interest Waiver), but most require you to have a sponsoring employer to file for you.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 .
What is a TN visa?
The TN visa was created by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), to ease the path toward a visa for professional-level workers from Canada as well as Mexico. As of July 1, 2020, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) replaced NAFTA including the provisions that govern the TN visa. The TN regulations can be found in Chapter 16 of the USMCA, and they remain largely the same as was provided in NAFTA with only minor changes to the list of professions that qualify for TN status. The TN visa offers Canadians a more direct way to obtain a U.S. nonimmigrant (temporary) visa than traditional work visas such as the H-1.
What to do if you have a TN visa denied?
Another option, which is especially useful if you've had a TN visa denied at the border, is to apply ahead of time, through USCIS. You'll then need to present your approval notice to CBP when you seek U.S. admission.
Where to send I-129 extension?
To file for an extension, the employer must send Form I-129, together with the same types of documents used for the initial application, to the USCIS Vermont Service Center. Alternatively, an applicant who doesn't mind leaving the U.S. can request an extension by departing before the expiration of TN status and visiting a U.S. consulate in Canada.
Can a TD visa be used to bring a spouse to the US?
TN visa recipients can also bring their spouses and children to the U.S. (in TD status) by providing proof of the family relationship, such as a birth or marriage certificate, within the application process. Family members with TD status cannot legally work in the United States.
