To apply for the TN visa, you need to follow these steps:
- File Form DS-160 online and get the confirmation page and code
- Pay the visa application fee of $160 (for Mexican citizens only) and any other applicable fees
- Schedule your visa interview and get the interview confirmation letter
Full Answer
What is the process to get a TN visa?
To receive a TN visa, you must submit the following forms and documentation:
- Form DS-156, Nonimmigrant Visa Application completed and signed
- Form DS-157, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application by male applicants between 16-45 years of age
- A passport valid for travel to the U.S. and with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S.
- One 2×2 photograph. ...
- Your employer in the U.S. ...
How easy is it to get a 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)
What are the qualifications for a TN visa?
TN Visa Requirements: Citizen of Canada or Mexico. Qualified under one of the accepted NAFTA professions. Evidence that the position in the United States requires a NAFTA professional. Participant has prearranged a part-time or full-time job with the U.S. employer. Self-employment is not accepted for this visa.
Who qualifies for a tn 1 visa?
- Physician (teaching and/or research only) – M.D., or state/provincial license
- Dentist – D.D.S., D.M.D., or state/provincial license
- Occupational Therapist – baccalaureate degree or state/provincial license
- Pharmacist – baccalaureate degree or state/provincial license
- Physio/Physical Therapist – baccalaureate degree or state/provincial license
How do I qualify 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 myself?
TN Visa under USMCA for Canadians. 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.
How easy is it to get a 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.
How much does it cost to apply 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.
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.
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.
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?
A: Initial applications for TN Visa status are reviewed at participating U.S. Ports of Entry and if properly presented can be approved within minutes on the spot. When applying by mail with U.S.C.I.S. applications can take from 15 days with premium processing and up to several months with standard processing.
Do you need a job offer to apply for TN visa?
Qualifications 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.
How long is TN visa valid for?
How long is the TN visa valid? The TN visa is valid for one year terms. You can extend your TN visa status for additional one year terms, but must prove that you continue to maintain a foreign residence and do not intend to stay permanent in the United States.
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.
Can TN visa work full-time in USA?
Yes, Canadian citizens are allowed to work in the U.S. as long as they have a work visa. Canadian citizens have the following work visa options: TN visa for Nafta professionals. L1 visa.
How long does it take to obtain a TN visa?
A: Initial applications for TN Visa status are reviewed at participating U.S. Ports of Entry and if properly presented can be approved within minutes on the spot. When applying by mail with U.S.C.I.S. applications can take from 15 days with premium processing and up to several months with standard processing.
Can you apply for TN visa by mail?
Individuals who are presently in the U.S. under valid non-immigrant status like OPT may apply for TN visa status by requesting a change of status by mail with Form I-129.
How far in advance can you get a TN visa?
You should apply up to 6 months in advance of your employment start date. Once you are approved for a TN Visa, you may apply for admission at certain CBP-designated US ports of entry, or at a designated pre-clearance or pre-flight inspection station.
How do I get a TN visa without a college degree?
The TN visa classification does have two categories that do not require a bachelor's degree or a post-secondary diploma: the Scientific Technician and Management Consultant.
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 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.
Where can I show proof of citizenship?
Then at the Port of Entry in the U.S you can show proof of your citizenship and your approved Form I-129.
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 to apply for a TN visa?
To apply for a TN visa, you must have an offer letter which includes a start date and end date such that the period of employment or contract is for 3 years or less.
How to get a TN visa?
The easiest way to get a TN Visa to work in the U.S. is to find a job that’s NAFTA-approved with a fixed term of 3 years or less. Ensure that you have the necessary education and experience, and that you can prove it with documentation. Bring all required documents, including your offer letter and passport, with you to the port of entry. To learn about specific procedures for Canadian or Mexican citizens, read on...
How to get a TN visa for Mexico?
1. Make an appointment with a US Consulate or Embassy. Mexican citizens must have a TN visa to enter the US and therefore, must apply at a US Consulate or Embassy abroad. It is recommended that Mexican citizens apply in Mexico since officers in those consulates are more aware of the TN visa regulations and procedures.
How much does a TN visa cost?
Have US dollars available to pay for your TN visa which is U$50 for the application and U$6 for the I-94 issued (beginning in 2014, your TN visa is approved and recorded online by the US Customs officer you will be dealing with. In the past, you would have been issued an I-94 stub piece of paper. Now, you will be given documents on how to retrieve your online I-94 information which you can use for personal reference that your TN visa was approved). You will pay an additional U$6 for each dependent of yours.
How long can a TN visa be renewed?
Although a TN visa holder status has a maximum period of 3 years, it may be renewed indefinitely.
Where to fill out a USCIS form?
Go to uscis.gov. There you will find the proper form to fill out and all the info you need.
Where do you get the employer supporting documents?
Employer supporting documents or alternatively you may provide the information from the US company website or from their HR department. The US company support letter should explain two main things:
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.
How old do you have to be to get a TD visa?
Spouses and/or children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join you in the U.S. for the duration of your stay can apply for TD visas.
How long can a Canadian stay in TN?
A Canadian or Mexican citizen admitted as a NAFTA Professional TN nonimmigrant may receive extensions of stay in increments of up to three 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.
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:
