What is best way to obtain TN visa?
- Offer letter
- Valid passport (the passport's expiration date is highly recommended to be at least 6 months longer than the fixed term work contract in the US)
- Employment supporting documentation per step 4 above
- University confirmation letter and copies of your educational degree (s) and transcript (s)
How much does a visa actually cost?
Visa services cost about $400 or $500 for the visa part, and $500 or $600 for the green card part. No clue on how much lawyers are but I'm guessing double the visa services. So, easily hits $4000 with a visa service, who really knows with a lawyer (but at least that). That's all just for if everything goes well.
How to apply for a TN visa?
- Gather Required Documentation. 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 ...
- Attend Your Visa Interview. During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa.
- Additional Information. ...
Does a TN visa require sponsorship?
Why a TN Visa does not require Sponsorship; tips of how to deal with prospective employers; differences for Canadian and Mexican Nationals; difficult TN categories (Management Consultant & Economist); the TN Application process explained; and some tips and common TN visa pitfalls. Also you will also receive a free TN visa guide.
Do you have to pay for TN visa?
TN Visa Application and Filing Fees These are the fees for the TN visa: Visa application filing fee at a US Embassy or Consulate Abroad: $160. USCIS petition filing fee: $460 (only necessary if the foreign national is inside the U.S. and switches to a TN visa from another visa status.
How much does a TN visa cost an employer?
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.
How long does it take to get a TN visa?
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.
How much does it cost a company to sponsor a TN visa?
Sponsorship requires the college/department to pay $460 in application fees. USCIS processing varies from 3-5 months.
Is it difficult to get TN visa?
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.
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.
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.
Who qualifies for a TN visa?
Eligibility for NAFTA Professional (TN) Nonimmigrant Status Applicant is a citizen of Canada or Mexico; Profession is on the NAFTA list; Position in the United States requires a NAFTA professional; Applicant will work in a prearranged full-time or part-time job for an employer (see Required Documentation).
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.
Can an employee pay for a TN visa?
Unlike with other types of business immigration cases, employees are permitted to pay for the TN process.
How long is a TN visa good for?
three yearsEntering on TN authorization allows qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to stay and work in the United States, as long as their U.S. job offer falls under a list of NAFTA professions. TN status is valid for up to three years, and is indefinitely renewable.
Does a TN visa require employer sponsorship?
Unlike the H-1B visa, the TN visa doesn't require sponsorship or petition by an employer. Additionally, there is no cap on TN visas, so there's no attendant concern related to racing the clock to obtain a visa before the cap is reached.
What does an employer need to do for a TN visa?
To qualify for TN visa status, you must have an offer of employment from a U.S. company to work in a profession that is listed on the NAFTA occupations list. Your employer in the United States must require someone in your professional capacity for the position.
Can an employee pay for a TN visa?
Unlike with other types of business immigration cases, employees are permitted to pay for the TN process.
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 much does the TN Visa cost?
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 apply...
What is a TN document?
REMEMBER: to have all your documentation complete and be prepared for the informal border interview. If you are not prepared, the Immigration Offic...
What documents are usually presented when registering a TN at the border?
The common documents that are usually required when applying for the TN at the border include: 1. TN Visa Application letter (sample application le...
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.
NAFTA ( TN)
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) creates special economic and trade relationships for the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The TN nonimmigrant status allows professionals from Canada and Mexico to work in the U.S. Mexican professionals must obtain a TN visa at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy to enter the U.S.
Form I-9
When completing Section 1 of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, an employee in TN status should select “An alien authorized to work” and enter the admission number and expiration date of their status as indicated on Form I-94/Form I-94A, Arrival/Departure Record.
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:
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 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.
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.
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 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 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.)
Can a spouse and minor children enter the US on derivative TD?
Yes, your spouse and unmarried, minor children are entitled to enter the U.S. on derivative TD status.
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.
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.
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
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 is a TN Visa?
To be eligible for a TN visa, you must be either a Mexican or Canadian citizen seeking entry into the United States for the purposes of employment. Common professions eligible for a TN visa include attorneys, accountants, engineers, teachers, and scientists. You can qualify for a TN visa if you are qualified in the relevant field of employment and have a part-time or full-time job offer in the United States. However, the specific eligibility criteria is different for Mexican and Canadian citizens.
What are the qualifications for a TN visa?
Common professions eligible for a TN visa include attorneys, accountants, engineers, teachers, and scientists. You can qualify for a TN visa if you are qualified in the relevant field of employment and have a part-time or full-time job offer in the United States. However, the specific eligibility criteria is different for Mexican and Canadian citizens.
What is totalization agreement?
Totalization Agreements are agreements that the United States has with a number of countries that exempt citizens of these countries from U.S. Social Security and Medicare taxes. These agreements prevent citizens of these countries from paying social security taxes in both their home country and the U.S. Since the U.S. has a Totalization Agreement with Canada, Canadian citizens on TN visas do not have to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes, but Mexican citizens are still liable for these taxes.
What percentage of taxes must be withheld for TN?
If a TN worker is nonresident alien and is paid in interest, dividends, royalties, rents, or non-wage compensation, then 30% of these amounts must be withheld for federal income tax. However, if the TN worker is from a country that has a tax treaty with the U.S., then this rate may be different.
Is a TN resident alien?
The rules that a TN visa holder must follow for filing their federal taxes will depend on their residency status. Whether a TN visa holder currently living in the U.S. is classified as a nonresident alien or a resident alien will depend on whether they pass the Substantial Presence Test.
Is TN visa tax complicated?
As you can see, TN visa taxes are particularly tricky and are subject to various treaty laws, totalization agreements, and residency status. Making sure that you fulfill all of your tax obligations as a TN worker requires thorough research and a methodical approach to filing your taxes. Be careful that you are submitting the proper forms and that the information in them is correct, and your filing should go smoothly. As soon as you know your tax burden, you can budget for the immediate future accordingly.
Is a visa holder subject to Medicare?
If the visa holder is working in a capacity or profession that is not subject to Medicare and Social Security taxes, according to IRS Publication 15 Circular E Employer’s Tax Guide
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 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 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.