TN Visa Applications and TN Renewals (By mail/I-129 and in person border applications) are still being processed. Crossing the border to apply for your TN Visa is still allowed and considered essential travel. As of Jun 04, 2020 USCIS Offices are opening up for limited services with guidelines to adhere to when entering offices.
Full Answer
Do I need a TN visa to enter the US?
If you are a Mexican citizen, then you are required to obtain a visa to enter the United States as a TN nonimmigrant. You should apply for a TN visa directly at a U.S. embassy or consulate in Mexico. See the U.S. Department of State webpage, "Mexican and Canadian NAFTA Professional Worker."
How long can a TN visa holder stay in the US?
How long can you stay in the U.S. on a TN Visa? The maximum period a TN visa can be granted for 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.
Can a TN visa holder work in Canada?
For both Canadians and Mexicans, the primary TN visa holder must show proof that they are financially able to support the dependents. The TD visa is only for accompanying the primary TN visa holder. Those with a TD visa are not allowed to work, but can enroll in studies.
What are the advantages of TN visas?
As discussed below, the TN category has several distinct advantages over other visas (H-1: Temporary Professional Workers and L-1: Intra company Transferees) most commonly used to retain professional alien workers.
Does the TN visa still exist?
The TN visa can be availed only by Canadian and Mexican nationals. The Agreement lists out around 60 professions, that can avail of this visa. The position must be of the nature that it requires a TN professional. The TN applicant must work in a prearranged full-time or part-time job for an employer.
Is the US issuing TN visas?
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.
Is TN visa hard 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 early can you apply for TN visa?
Pre-Approval: The mail application allows for pre-approval; up to 6 months in advance.
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.
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.
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 it takes for 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 I sponsor my own TN visa?
Contrary to popular belief, the TN visa classification does require an employer to “sponsor” an individual for TN visa work status. The TN visa classification, unlike e.g. the E-2 visa, does not permit self-sponsorship. A prospective employer must request employment authorization on behalf of a TN visa worker.
How long is a TN visa interview?
TN interviews can be as little as 15 minutes or as long as 3 hours. However, most of this time is typically spent waiting for your immigration officer before the interview or waiting for a decision after your interview.
How many TN visas are issued per year?
Number of NAFTA visas issued by the U.S. Department of State from 2006 to 2020CharacteristicNumber of visas issued2018731,4962017741,8992016817,5172015787,1809 more rows•Feb 28, 2022
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.
How many TN visas are issued per year?
Number of NAFTA visas issued by the U.S. Department of State from 2006 to 2020CharacteristicNumber of visas issued2018731,4962017741,8992016817,5172015787,1809 more rows•Feb 28, 2022
Can TN visa be converted to green card?
TN Visa to Green Card through consular processing Alternatively, TN visa holders can simply leave the U.S. and file an application for a green card from their respective home countries. This is known as consular processing. The USCIS will process the petition and issue you a priority date.
How do I get a TN visa to work in the USA?
How do I apply for TN status?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.
Can Canadian PR 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.
What is SGM law group?
Here at SGM Law Group, we have extensive experience helping people like yourself fulfill their dreams in the U.S. through the TN visa. The immigration road is filled with regulations and forms. By letting our immigration attorneys handle your case, you can rest easy knowing that your case is in the best hands. Form filing the initial petition to dealing with RFEs, fees, and extensions, you can focus on your plans in the U.S. instead of the immigration process.
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:
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.
What is a letter from a prospective employer?
Letter from your prospective employer detailing items such as the professional capacity in which you will work in the United States, the purpose of your employment, your length of stay, and your educational qualifications.
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 long can an H-1B stay in the US?
TN professionals can receive extensions of stay in three-year increments, with no outside limit on the total period of stay. The limit on stay for H-1B (six years) and L nonimmigrants (five or seven years) do not apply to TN aliens. In addition, Canadian and Mexican professionals who have already completed six years in the H-1 or L nonimmigrant category can immediately qualify for the TN category without fulfilling the requirement of one-year abroad imposed by the USCIS regulations for H-1 and L aliens.
What is DS 157?
Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-157 provides additional information about your travel plans. Submission of this completed form is required for all male applicants between 16-45 years of age. It is also required for all applicants from state sponsors of terrorism age 16 and over, irrespective of gender, without exception;
What happens if you don't leave the US?
on any given trip, based on the specified end date on your Arrival-Departure Record, Form I-94. Failure to depart the U.S. will cause you to be out-of-status. Staying beyond the period of time authorized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and being out-of-status in the U.S. is a violation of U.S. immigration laws, and may cause you to be ineligible for a visa in the future for return travel to the U.S. Select Classes of Aliens Ineligible to Receive Visas to learn more.
What is the alternative to TN?
The principal alternative to the TN category for employers seeking to hire Canadian and Mexican professionals on a temporary basis is use of the H-1B nonimmigrant category. With regard to employers seeking the services of a Canadian professional, three big advantages exist to the TN category over the H-1 category:
How long is a passport valid for?
A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States; An application, Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160, completed and signed;
What is TN visa?
TN visas are available to Canadian and Mexican nationals (“alien”) who enter the US to perform professional services in certain designated professions and who possess the necessary qualification credentials to be considered a professional in one of the fields on Schedule 2 of NAFTA. As discussed below, the TN category has several distinct advantages over other visas (H-1: Temporary Professional Workers and L-1: Intra company Transferees) most commonly used to retain professional alien workers.
What is TD status?
The family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21) of the principal alien are classified in the TD category. The family members cannot engage in employment unless they are independently qualified. Family members, however, can undertake courses of study in the United States while in TD status.
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
What is a post secondary certificate?
Post Secondary Certificate means a document issued after the completion of two or more years of postsecondary education at an academic institution. The document has to be issued the federal government of Mexico or a state government in Mexico, an academic institution recognized by the federal government or a state government, or an academic institution created by federal or state law.
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.
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.
What is a NAFTA profession?
This means your profession must be on the NAFTA list. The business activity or position you wish to engage in must require a NAFTA professional. You have the necessary qualification to practice in the profession you are applying for.
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 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 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 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.
What is a NAFTA professional?
The position in the United States requires a NAFTA professional; You have a prearranged full-time or part-time job with a U .S. employer (but not self-employment - see documentation required below); and. You have the qualifications to practice in the profession in question.
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.
What is a letter from a prospective employer?
Letter from your prospective employer detailing items such as the professional capacity in which you will work in the United States, the purpose of your employment, your length of stay, and your educational qualifications; and
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:
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.
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How long is the grace period for TN unemployment?
As of January 17, 2017 a new ruling has been approved to allow 60 days grace period for a TN applicant lost their job and there is still sufficient time on their TN status period or if your TN period has ended and the job is not being renewed, the TN applicant has 10 days grace period.
Is TN worth every penny?
Definitely worth every penny! If you want peace of mind when applying for your TN, you need to make sure you get TN Visa Expert kit.
