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.
- Submit a file with these documents:
- A valid passport for more than 6 months after your stay in the US is completed.
- The DS-160 confirmation page.
- One US Visa photograph.
- Receipts that prove you have paid your fees.
- A letter from your employer which states you have a job in the US with the following details:
- Apply directly at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) port of entry when entering the U.S. or.
- Have your employer submit the TN application along with Form I-129 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and then seek entry once approved at a U.S. port of entry.
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. ...
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
What is a TN visa status?
tn status or tn visa ( trade nafta) is a special non-immigrant classification in the united states that offers expedited work authorization to a citizen of canada or a national of mexico, created as a result of provisions of the north american free trade agreement that mandate simplified entry and employment permission for certain professionals …
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).
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 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.
Can you get a TN visa without a job?
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 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 I 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.
How much does 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.
How much does it cost to sponsor a TN visa?
Sponsorship requires the college/department to pay $460 in application fees. USCIS processing varies from 3-5 months.
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 long can you stay on a TN visa?
three yearsTN 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. As such, the total stay varies.
Do you need a degree for a TN visa?
Education & Credentials The majority of the TN visa occupational categories require some form of educational credential. Most require a bachelor's degree, while some also offer as an alternative for qualification possession of a post-secondary diploma and three years of experience.
Can my wife work if I have a TN visa?
Simply put, via the TD visa, as a spouse or child of a TN visa holder, you can apply to work and live in the U.S. under this visa status.
Is TN visa still available?
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.
Is TN visa employer specific?
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 it cost to get 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 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 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 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.
Who is eligible for a TN visa?
To be eligible to obtain a TN visa, there are several requirements that you need to meet.
How long can you stay on a TN visa?
Current laws and regulations declare that as NAFTA professional you can be granted a TN visa for periods of up to three years. However, U.S. immigration officials can decide to allow you a shorter period of stay, focusing on how long your position in the United States will last.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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:
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 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
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.
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 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 most popular nonimmigrant work visa?
The H-1B is the most popular nonimmigrant work visa available due to its many benefits and its inclusivity. As long as you have a bachelor’s degree and a U.S. job that requires that degree, then you are eligible to receive this six-year visa.
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:
