Visa-Faq.com

what is tn visa usa

by Gaylord Williamson Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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 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)

More items...

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 …

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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 is TN visa valid for?

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.

What does TN stand for in TN visa?

What 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.

Can you live in the US with a TN visa?

Well, the TN visa is a non-immigrant type of visa classification that is available to the citizens of Mexico and Canada. Those who have a TN visa can work and live in the U.S. – initially for 3 years, after which you can extend the period indefinitely, regardless of how many years you plan on staying there.

Can TN visa get 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.

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 it difficult to get 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Can TN visa be renewed indefinitely?

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 a TN visa be extended?

If you want to extend the period that your TN visa is valid, your employer can file a Form I-129 extension petition with USCIS. If your job continues to satisfy the TN requirements, your stay will be extended. There are specific time periods and processing times that apply to extension petitions.

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 long can you be unemployed on TN visa?

The grace period lasts for either 60 days from the TN visa worker's last day of employment, or up until the expiration date of the individual's I-94 record, whichever comes first. Remaining in the U.S. after one's grace period ends is a status violation that could result in removal.

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 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?

This visa allows Mexican and Canadian citizens to do some temporary occupation in the United States. Applicants for this visa only need to find a job before coming to the United States. The agreement specifies what TN visa holders are allowed to do. About 36 jobs are defined for visas in this category. In the following, we will mention the list of permitted jobs. You can also visit the NAFTA website for more information in this regard.

What are the TN visa requirements?

Individuals who want to work in some US healthcare occupations must meet the requirements of the certification. This certificate confirms that the applicant has completed adequate training programs and have the required experience based on the US health care system. It also shows that regardless of the degree, the applicant is fluent in English. Jobs that should consider this requirement are:

How to apply for a TN visa?

The process for applying for a TN visa is similar to other nonimmigrant US visas. If you are applying for a TN visa, you must follow the steps below to obtain a visa:

What is the validity period of a TN visa?

The initial validity of this visa is three years. You can then renew it indefinitely for three-year periods. Remember, as long as you are in the United States, you must prove that you do not intend to reside permanently. To prove this, you can provide documents such as a bank statement or a list of assets in your country. Although you can extend your TN visa indefinitely, it is difficult to get a Green Card under this visa. Because during the visa application and renewal process you emphasize that you will return to your country after the employment contract is over.

What restrictions do visa holders face?

There are many advantages to having a TN visa, but the visa holders also face limitations:

How much does a non-immigrant visa cost?

The visa application fee, like most US nonimmigrant visas, is $ 160 paid by the applicant. In the next steps, you must provide the payment receipt as one of the necessary documents.

Do Canadians need a TN visa?

Canadians generally do not need a TN visa to enter the United States. In this way, after finding a job when entering the United States, they can apply for TN nonimmigrant status at a US port-of-entry.#N#To be accepted into the country on a TN visa, Canadians must provide the following documents at the Port of Entry or Pre-Flight Inspection:

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.

Who is eligible for the TN visa?

The TN visa is the easiest way to get a work visa in the USA. To be eligible for this visa the applicant must meet the following criteria.

How long is a TN visa valid?

A TN visa is valid for a maximum of three years. At the end of this time period, if the applicant wants to continue working in the USA, the visa will need to be extended. In such cases, the employer will have to file an I-129 extension petition. This petition must be filed within the last 6 months of visa validity.

How much is the I-94 visa fee?

The visa fee payable when applying at the US border amounts to USD 50. An additional fee of USD 6 must be paid for the I-94. In the case of applying online, the application can take a few months to be processed and if rejected, the applicant may have to leave the USA.

How old do you have to be to get a TN-2 visa?

Mexican citizens between the ages of 14 and 79 years with a job offer in the USA can apply for the TN-2 visa. Unlike the TN-1 visa, the TN-2 visa application must be submitted at the American consulate or embassy in Mexico before travelling to the USA. To be eligible for this visa the applicant must have the following documents.

What is the North American Free Trade Agreement?

In 1994, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) came into being. This agreement between the USA, Canada and Mexico covers customs procedures, government procurement, investment, trade in services etc. The agreement also permits citizens of the three countries to travel freely between them for business purposes with a Treaty National (TN) visa.

Can Canadians get a TN-1 visa?

Canadians can apply for the TN-1 visa while Mexicans are eligible for the TN-2 visa.

Can Mexicans get a TN visa?

Most people move here in search of better jobs. Canadians and Mexicans can apply for the TN visa if they have a job in the USA. Read on to find out more about this visa.

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 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.

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:

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