What is a tn 1 visa?
Since 1994, the North America Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, has governed trade between three countries. Certain provisions under NAFTA also allowed the United States, Canada, and Mexico to “trade” workers under certain circumstances. Some people were eligible for what was known as a TN 1 visa.
Who is not eligible for the TN visa?
Permanent residents of Canada or Mexico are not eligible for the TN visa. There is no yearly quota for the TN Visa which provides all qualified applicants the opportunity to be granted a visa.
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.
Is TN visa just a stamp?
If approved, a TN visa stamp will be affixed to the applicant's passport. TN visa stamps are currently valid for only a 1-year period. TN visa stamp holders must then present themselves for admission to the U.S. at a U.S. port-of-entry.
What is proof of TN visa?
Required documents for TN visa include: Canadian passport and other proof of your Canadian citizenship, such as a birth certificate. A letter from your prospective U.S. employer detailing the purpose of your employment, your professional capacity, your educational qualifications for the role and the length of your stay ...
Is a TN a visa?
TN (Trade NAFTA) status is a nonimmigrant employment visa which allows Canadian and Mexican citizens who work in specific professional occupations to work in the United States.
Is getting a TN visa hard?
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.
Can I leave the US while on a TN visa?
Reply: There is no specific time period governing how long a TN visa worker and his/her dependents may remain outside the U.S. and then seek re-admission – provided a return is made within the validity period of the TN/TD visa status (as evidenced on the I-94).
How long can you stay on a TN visa?
three yearsHow Long Does a TN Visa Last? TN 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.
How much does a TN visa cost an employer?
Unlike the H-1B visa category, an employer is not required to pay any of the costs associated with filing for a TN visa. Under the H-1B visa program, employers are generally required to pay all costs such as government filings fees and any associated legal fees.
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.
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.
Do I need a lawyer to get a 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 long does it take for a TN visa to get approved?
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.
Where do I find my TN visa number?
The visa number, also known as the visa foil number, is the red number printed on the bottom right of the visa document.
What is a TN support letter?
Main Points of TN Support Letter The Support Letter must provide a description of the professional activities involved, including a brief summary of daily job duties. The TN applicant's prospective job duties must be consistent with the job duties generally performed by those in the particular occupation.
How do I fill out an i9 with a TN visa?
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.
Can a TN visa holder get a Social Security number?
Reply: TN visa workers are eligible to obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). TN visa workers will generally need to apply for their SSN in person at a SSA office. They will generally need the following to apply for the SSN: A completed Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5).
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.
What is a business person in NAFTA?
Business person, as defined in the NAFTA, means a citizen of Canada or Mexico who is engaged in the trade of goods, the provision of services, or the conduct of investment activities.
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 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.
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 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 is a TN visa?
A TN visa (TN stands for T reaty N AFTA) grants American, Canadian, and Mexican citizens the right to work in a professional occupation in one of the other two countries under the NAFTA. To explore this concept, consider the following TN visa definition.
How long can a TN visa be renewed?
However, he does not have the right to apply for permanent residence within that country. The TN visa, however, can be renewed indefinitely, allowing him to work in that country for as long as he has the position.
What does USCIS look for in a person?
In particular, USCIS looks for acts of moral turpitude or prior involvement with drugs. They also look for any prior encounters with law enforcement, whether or not the crime could be considered serious, and regardless of whether the person was arrested or convicted. The sole exception to the rule wherein the effects of criminal conviction on immigration status can be overlooked are those relating to traffic violations. USCIS looks to see if someone who is interested in a permanent residency could be considered “inadmissible” to the U.S.
What is TN status?
TN status is a special non-immigrant status that a U.S., Canadian, or Mexican citizen can obtain in any of the other two countries, for the purpose of working in one of the professions specified in the NAFTA agreement. TN status enables a person to enjoy an expedited work authorization process.
Why is my TN green card denied?
A TN visa holder’s application for a green card may be denied based on the fact that he is guilty of crimes of moral turpitude. Crimes of moral turpitude fit into three primary categories: fraud, larceny, or the intent to cause personal harm or destruction of property. There are numerous crimes of moral turpitude, including lying on an immigrant visa application. This crime is a fraud against the United States government.
What is missing from TN visa?
Missing from the TN visa requirements is the demand that employers keep extensive records on TN workers. If an employer happens to be audited or investigated by the Labor Department or by the Immigration Service, all the employer needs to do is show that the worker who is under investigation is in a valid status with the company.
Can a criminal conviction affect TN visa?
Effects of criminal conviction on immigration status can be severe. Even if someone isn’t arrested or convicted, just simply being involved with a crime can put someone’s TN visa at risk, especially if that person is interested in someday obtaining a green card to permanently live in the U.S.
What Is a TN1 Visa?
Under NAFTA, Mexico, Canada, and the US agreed to share employees. The deal addressed, in part, concerns about people moving across borders illegally and working in places they’re not qualified to work.
How long is a TN 1 visa good for?
That makes the TN 1 a great choice for temporary assignments. A TN 1 can be issued for one to three years.
Is it easy to get a TN1 visa?
Getting a TN1 visa doesn’t need to be stressful. In fact, it can be quite easy! Talk to the professionals today and discover if the TN1 visa is right for your situation.
Do you need to visit an embassy to get a TN visa?
Canadians with a job offer in one of the qualifying fields can bring the required paperwork to the border. You don’t need to visit an embassy first, like you would with other visas.
Is the TN visa program still in place?
There was some concern the new USMCA would either do away with the TN 1 visa or make significant changes that would impact employers’ ability to find the right people. The good news is the TN visa program is staying in place under the USMCA. This will continue to allow engineers, scientists, and other highly qualified professionals to move and work across borders.
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.
