- Proof of Canadian citizenship;
- Proof of relationship to the TN nonimmigrant, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate;
- Photocopies of the TN nonimmigrant’s admission documents; and
- Proof the TN nonimmigrant is maintaining his or her TN nonimmigrant status.
Is there a Canadian equivalent of the TN visa?
Though the term “visa” is often used, Canadians are not actually issued a TN “visa.” Instead, they are admitted in TN status if approved. As of July 2020, TN visas are being issued under the newly formed United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
What are the requirements for a TN visa?
You may be eligible for TN nonimmigrant status, if:
- You are a citizen of Canada or Mexico;
- Your profession qualifies under the regulations;
- The position in the United States requires a NAFTA professional;
- You have a prearranged full-time or part-time job with a U.S. ...
- You have the qualifications to practice in the profession in question.
Can a Canadian enter the US without a visa?
In case of a Canadian citizen, you will not need a visa to enter the US unless you plan to work, study, invest or immigrate. Canadian citizens should carry a valid Canadian passport when entering the US or transiting through the US to another country. As a Canadian citizen, if you plan to work in US, then you will need a TN visa.
Do Canadians require a visa to work in the US?
To work physically in America as a Canadian, you’ll need to have a work visa unless you have dual citizenship. But remote work has become quite common, making it possible to work in the US from Canada. Due to the complex nature of working remotely in another country from Canada, there are several ways to structure your foreign employment.
How can a Canadian apply for a TN visa?
If a CBP officer finds you eligible for admission, you will be admitted as a TN nonimmigrant. 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.
Where can I get a TN visa in Canada?
Qualifying professionals may apply for a NAFTA Professional work permit at a Canadian visa office before entering Canada, however, they may also apply at a Canadian port-of-entry (POE) in certain instances.
Can Canadian residents get TN visa?
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 long does it take to get a TN visa in Canada?
For the most accurate processing time, check the USCIS site. However, you can opt to pay an additional fee for premium processing, which will expedite your TN petition's processing time to 15 business days.
Can Canadian apply for TN at consulate?
For Canadian citizens, the TN application can be made at the US Consulate, US point of entry, or through the USCIS with Form I-129.
Can I get TN visa at Toronto airport?
Pearson International Airport in Toronto, and Vancouver International Airport. Due to the fact that you are inspected by a CBP officer at these pre-flight clearance locations and are considered admitted to the US after an approved inspection, you can apply for a TN visa.
How fast can I 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Where can I get a TN visa at the airport?
This means that if your flight includes layovers, you will submit your TN application at the first arrival airport. For example, if your flight path is London-Chicago-Denver, then you will lodge the application in Chicago when you enter the United States.
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.
Do I need to book an 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 TN visa still available?
On July 1, 2020, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) replaced NAFTA, including the provisions that govern the TN visa. However, the TN regulations, which can be found in USMCA Chapter 16, remain largely the same as was provided in NAFTA.
Application Process For Canadian TN Worker Coming from Canada
A Canadian professional worker may be admitted to the U.S. without advance petition approval or labor certification. In order to apply, the Canadia...
Application Process For Canadian TN Worker Already in The U.S.
If the worker is already lawfully present in the U.S. (that is, hasn’t overstayed a permitted entry), the U.S. employer can apply for a change of v...
Documents to Include in Application For TN Status
The applicant will need to have a valid Canadian passport, and supply the following documents: 1. a job offer letter describing the proposed employ...
Entry to The U.S. and After
Upon entering the U.S., the Canadian TN professional will be given an I-94 card (or if entering the U.S. after spring 2013, the professional will b...
Do you have a Job Offer?
One of the biggest hurdles Canadians face when looking for a job is getting a U.S. employer to hire them in spite of the TN Visa requirement. Most...
Do you Qualify for the TN Visa?
It is critical that you qualify for the TN Visa. What most people do not realize is that the job must also qualify under NAFTA. This is explained f...
Are You Applying by Mail or at the Border?
The TN Visa for Canadians now allow you to apply via mail or at a border crossing in person. If you apply by mail, it can take 2 to 3 months for pr...
How to prepare for the Border Interview?
Most people are not prepared for the border interview. People assume if they have their TN Visa Application and present it at the border they will...
How to create a letter for a TN visa?
The TN Visa is unlike most U.S. immigration visas. Whether you apply by mail or in person, you will need to complete a free form application letter...
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 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.
What is a TN visa?
The TN visa was originally created under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between Canada, U.S. and Mexico. Though the term “visa” is often used, Canadians are not actually issued a TN “visa.” Instead, they are admitted in TN status if approved.
How to apply for TN status?
There are two ways to apply for a TN status: 1) in person at a port of entry (POE) to the United States, such as a major Canadian airport or a land border; or 2) the employer files a petition to USCIS.
What are the disadvantages of being a TN?
One disadvantage to TN status is that it only applies to a specific group of professions. Specifically, you must qualify under one of the 60+ professions on the professional occupations list in order to be eligible for TN status.
How long does a TN visa last?
There are several advantages to applying for a TN status. First, TN status is granted for three years, the same duration as an H-1B visa.
What happens if you are denied TN status?
If you are denied TN status at the port of entry, you will be told the reason why and you can attempt to cure any deficiencies in a new application. If TN status is denied by USCIS, it takes a lot longer – and a lot more money – to obtain a favorable decision.
Is TN a USMCA?
As of July 2020, TN visas are being issued under the newly formed United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). While NAFTA no longer exists, Appendix 1603.D.1 that governs TN visas has been incorporated into the USMCA, and the procedure and criteria remain the same.
Should I apply for TN status at a port of entry or through USCIS?
Second, CBP officers will make a decision whether to approve a TN application immediately. On the other hand, applying for TN status through USCIS will take longer and cost the employer much more in legal fees and filing fees. If you are denied TN status at the port of entry, you will be told the reason why and you can attempt to cure any deficiencies in a new application. If TN status is denied by USCIS, it takes a lot longer – and a lot more money – to obtain a favorable decision. You may also be required to leave the United States during this time.
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:
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).
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.
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 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.
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.
Can a spouse and child apply for a TD visa?
Spouse and children who are not Canadian citizens must apply for TD nonimmigrant visas.