how to get a tn visa for usa

^{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 U.S is completed The DS-160 confirmation page One US Visa photograph ...

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

More items...

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 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.

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 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.

Is it hard 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 in the U.S. with 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.

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.

Does a TN visa require sponsorship?

So while a TN Visa does require a job offer and written support from a US employer, this is not considered formal sponsorship.

Can a TN visa be denied?

An individual may be denied a TN at the border not only if his/her job or credentials do not meet the requirements for a TN, but also on account of activities occurring during past visits to the U.S. Individuals who CBP believes violated the terms of a prior visa, e.g. by working without authorization, remaining in the ...

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 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.

Is a 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 can a Canadian get a TN visa?

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.

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 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.

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 the North American Free Trade Agreement?

To create better relationships between countries in America, the U.S in cooperation with Canada and Mexico created the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This agreement, besides its economic and trade benefits, also has travelling and working advantages on a NAFTA 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.

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.

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 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:

What is the North American Free Trade Agreement?

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) created special economic and trade relationships for the United States, Canada and Mexico. The TN nonimmigrant classification permits qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to seek temporary entry into the United States to engage in business activities at a professional level.

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 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 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 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 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 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 determines what type of visa is required?

The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

What is the phone number of Tunisia?

Callers in Tunisia: Call +216 31 37 81 45 . Callers in the United States: Call 1 703 520 2249 . Skype: To use Skype to speak to a customer service representative during regular hours of operation, add a new contact to your Skype account with the Skype name ustraveldocs-tunisia.

What is business traveler?

Business traveler, we will establish appropriate mechanisms to facilitate business travel and expedite cases of particular concern to American business.