TN visa holders are subject to a number of restrictions, including:
- They may only work in the specific occupation listed on their visa
- They must have a job offer from a US employer
- They may only stay in the US for a maximum of three years
- They must maintain a valid passport and proof of employment
- They are not eligible for permanent residency or citizenship
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. ...
How easy is it to get a TN visa?
- Offer letter
- Valid passport (the passport's expiration date is highly recommended to be at least 6 months longer than the fixed term work contract in the US)
- Employment supporting documentation per step 4 above
- University confirmation letter and copies of your educational degree (s) and transcript (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.
How to apply for a TN visa?
- Gather Required Documentation. 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 ...
- Attend Your Visa Interview. During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa.
- Additional Information. ...
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 long can we work on TN visa?
three yearsEntering on TN authorization allows qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to stay and work in the United States, as long as their U.S. job offer falls under a list of NAFTA professions. TN status is valid for up to three years, and is indefinitely renewable.
Who is eligible for a tn1 visa?
Canadian professionalsA TN-1 is for Canadian professionals, and a TN-2 is for Mexican professionals. The applicants need to be qualified under one of the listed professions. Accepted NAFTA Professions must adhere to nonimmigrant classifications. Permanent residents of Canada or Mexico are not eligible for the TN visa.
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 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.
Can I go from TN visa to green card?
The short answer is yes, it is indeed possible to obtain permanent resident status as a TN visa holder, to go from immigrant visa vs Green Card However, the process is quite complicated and if not executed properly, could lead to severe repercussions including being banned from entering the United States.
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).
Can TN visa work full-time in USA?
Yes, Canadian citizens are allowed to work in the U.S. as long as they have a work visa. Canadian citizens have the following work visa options: TN visa for Nafta professionals. L1 visa.
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.
How long does it take to get a TN visa 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.
Is TN visa tied to employer?
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 long does it take to obtain a 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 TN visa work full-time in USA?
Yes, Canadian citizens are allowed to work in the U.S. as long as they have a work visa. Canadian citizens have the following work visa options: TN visa for Nafta professionals. L1 visa.
How many times can you extend TN visa?
The Limitations of TN Status TN status has a maximum period of validity of three years. It may be renewed indefinitely, but it must be done every three years. If an alien wishes to stay beyond the time indicated on their I-94 card, they must seek an extension of stay.
Can you work in the US with a 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.
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.
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.
What is the I-9 form for TN?
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. The employee’s unexpired Form I-94 together with their unexpired foreign passport is acceptable as a List A document for Form I-9.
What is the NAFTA?
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. Canadian professionals can request TN status at a U.S. port of entry.
Can I use a list B with a list C?
In the alternative, employees in TN status may present a List B document with a List C document. In this case, a Form I-94/I-94A indicating admission in TN status would be acceptable as a List C#8 document.
What is a copy of your college degree and employment records?
A copy of your college degree and employment records which establish qualification for the prospective job
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.)
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.
What is a professional activity description?
A description of your professional activities, including a brief summary of job duties and the minimum requirements for the position. c. A description of your professional qualifications and appropriate credentials which demonstrate that you have the educational background and qualifications necessary for the position.
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.
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.
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.
Why did NAFTA allow employees to work in the US?
NAFTA recognized that the right person to hire may not always live in the US, so companies may need to look beyond borders to find the ideal employee.
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.
Which countries have a free trade agreement?
You just need to get the proper paperwork filed. 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.
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.
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.
