What are the requirements for a TN visa?
You may be eligible for TN nonimmigrant status, if:
- You are a citizen of Canada or Mexico;
- Your profession qualifies under the regulations;
- The position in the United States requires a NAFTA professional;
- You have a prearranged full-time or part-time job with a U.S. ...
- You have the qualifications to practice in the profession in question.
How to apply for 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)
Will I get a TN visa?
To be eligible for a TN visa, you will need to show that you’re a qualified professional in one of the approved specialty occupations with a bachelor’s degree. Depending on your industry however, an alternative such as a post-secondary certificate and three years’ experience may be acceptable to show that you’re a qualified professional.
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 …
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.
Is TN visa same as green card?
Considering that the TN visa is a non-immigrant type of visa classification, it does not automatically lead to you receiving a green card. Therefore, in order to move from TN visa to green card, you will have to go through a status adjustment or apply for an immigrant visa beforehand.
How long can a TN visa stay in the US?
three yearsAn initial period of up to three years of TN status can be granted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at a U.S. port of entry or by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) through a UH -filed petition. Subsequent TN extensions of up to three years at a time can be requested thereafter via the same means.
What does TN in TN visa stand for?
Trade NAFTAWhat is TN status? 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.
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 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 TN visa get green card?
Can TN visa holders transition to a green card? This is one of the most common questions that TN visa holders ask, especially after they have spent some time in the U.S. The short answer is yes, it is indeed possible to obtain permanent resident status as a TN visa holder.
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.
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.
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.
How fast can I get a TN visa?
For the most accurate processing time, check the USCIS site. However, you can opt to pay an additional fee for premium processing, which will expedite your TN petition's processing time to 15 business days.
How long does it takes to get a TN visa?
This is not a complicated process for NAFTA Professionals, which is why it can take only a few months (2 to 6 months) to receive the TN Visa. However, there is a Premium Processing that allows you as a NAFTA Professional to get your visa in 15 business days at most.
How long does it take to get a green card from TN visa?
Overall, the TN visa to green card process can take between six months and a year, sometimes more. Much of it depends on how busy your service center and/or U.S. consulate is. Unfortunately, there is no way to expedite this process.
How can a Canadian get a green card?
Canadian citizens are eligible for green cards through marriage, family, employment, or investment.
Can you buy a house in U.S. with TN visa?
Similarly, a TN visa professional may purchase a home in the U.S. There is no prohibition under U.S. immigration laws for buying a house.
Is TN visa considered sponsorship?
So while a TN Visa does require a job offer and written support from a US employer, this is not considered formal sponsorship.
1. 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 i...
2. Who is eligible for TN Visa?
You are eligible for this visa if you are a citizen of Mexico or Canada who works in a professional occupation and: Your profession is on the NAFTA...
3. How can I obtain a TN visa as a Canadian?
You must provide the following at the port of entry: A request for TN status A copy of your college degree and employment records which establish q...
4. How can I obtain a TN visa as a Mexican?
As of January 1, 2004 the procedures were simplified for Mexicans by removing the requirement for petition approval and for filing of a labor condi...
5. What are the documents required to apply for TN status as a Canadian?
Your application for TN status as a Canadian must include: 1. Proof of Canadian citizenship. This could be your passport, birth certificate, or c...
6. Can I travel outside the U.S. on TN status?
Yes, you may leave the U.S. and be re-admitted for the remainder of the period of authorized stay as indicated on Form I-94, Arrival Departure reco...
7. Can I bring my dependants into the U.S. on TN visa?
Yes, your spouse and unmarried, minor children are entitled to enter the U.S. on derivative TD status .
8. Can my dependants work in the U.S. on derivative TD status?
No, your spouse and unmarried, minor children are unable to accept employment in the U.S. on derivative TD status.
9. How can I apply for extension of temporary stay on TN visa as a Canadian?
If you are a Canadian citizen, admitted as a NAFTA professional you may seek an extension of stay, which may be granted up to one year. If you are...
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 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.
How many types of TN visas are there?
There are two types of TN visa based on nationality:
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 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.
Is there a cap on TN visa?
And third, there are no caps to the TN visa. Whereas the H-1B visa has a cap of 65,000 people who are allowed to go to the U.S with that visa, the TN visa does not have a limit. This means that any citizen of Canada or Mexico who fulfills the requirements can get the TN visa.
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 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 is a TN Visa?
To be eligible for a TN visa, you must be either a Mexican or Canadian citizen seeking entry into the United States for the purposes of employment. Common professions eligible for a TN visa include attorneys, accountants, engineers, teachers, and scientists. You can qualify for a TN visa if you are qualified in the relevant field of employment and have a part-time or full-time job offer in the United States. However, the specific eligibility criteria is different for Mexican and Canadian citizens.
What are the qualifications for a TN visa?
Common professions eligible for a TN visa include attorneys, accountants, engineers, teachers, and scientists. You can qualify for a TN visa if you are qualified in the relevant field of employment and have a part-time or full-time job offer in the United States. However, the specific eligibility criteria is different for Mexican and Canadian citizens.
What is totalization agreement?
Totalization Agreements are agreements that the United States has with a number of countries that exempt citizens of these countries from U.S. Social Security and Medicare taxes. These agreements prevent citizens of these countries from paying social security taxes in both their home country and the U.S. Since the U.S. has a Totalization Agreement with Canada, Canadian citizens on TN visas do not have to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes, but Mexican citizens are still liable for these taxes.
What percentage of taxes must be withheld for TN?
If a TN worker is nonresident alien and is paid in interest, dividends, royalties, rents, or non-wage compensation, then 30% of these amounts must be withheld for federal income tax. However, if the TN worker is from a country that has a tax treaty with the U.S., then this rate may be different.
Is a TN resident alien?
The rules that a TN visa holder must follow for filing their federal taxes will depend on their residency status. Whether a TN visa holder currently living in the U.S. is classified as a nonresident alien or a resident alien will depend on whether they pass the Substantial Presence Test.
Is TN visa tax complicated?
As you can see, TN visa taxes are particularly tricky and are subject to various treaty laws, totalization agreements, and residency status. Making sure that you fulfill all of your tax obligations as a TN worker requires thorough research and a methodical approach to filing your taxes. Be careful that you are submitting the proper forms and that the information in them is correct, and your filing should go smoothly. As soon as you know your tax burden, you can budget for the immediate future accordingly.
Is a visa holder subject to Medicare?
If the visa holder is working in a capacity or profession that is not subject to Medicare and Social Security taxes, according to IRS Publication 15 Circular E Employer’s Tax Guide
What is a TN application?
The initial TN Application is a set of free form documents showing how you qualify for the TN under NAFTA which you will submit at the border.
Why are people denied TN visas?
Most people are denied because their documentation did not correctly show how they and the job qualify for the TN Visa. The initial TN Application is a set of free form documents showing how you qualify for the TN under NAFTA which you will submit at the border. 1.
How successful is the TN visa expert kit?
Get the TN Visa Expert Kit. It has a 99.6% success rate . It will provide you with step-by-step instructions to create your Application letter as well as sample application letters and important border information to help you be prepared for the border interview.