What is an TN Visa?
The TN Visa is a type of non-immigrant visa status provided under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) to citizens of Canada and Mexico. It allows qualified professionals from these countries to enter the United States to work in certain professional occupations for a limited period of time. The TN Visa is available to a wide variety of professionals including, but not limited to, scientists, engineers, teachers, accountants, medical doctors, lawyers, and more. To qualify for the TN Visa, applicants must demonstrate that they meet certain eligibility criteria, such as having a residence in Canada or Mexico and having qualifications for the job that meet the necessary requirements for the position.
Who Qualifies for TN Visa?
In order to qualify for a TN visa, an individual must meet certain criteria. First, the individual must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico. In addition, the individual must have a job offer from an employer in the United States. The offer must be in an occupation listed in Appendix 1603.D.1 of the NAFTA treaty, and the individual must be able to demonstrate that they possess the qualifications for that particular occupation. Additionally, the individual must have all of the necessary qualifications to practice their profession in the United States, including any licensure requirements and any necessary education, experience, and/or training. Finally, the individual must intend to enter the U.S. temporarily and must have sufficient funds to support themselves while in the U.S.
How to Apply for TN Visa?
If you are looking to apply for a TN (Trade NAFTA) visa in the United States, there are a few steps you must follow.
1. Determine Eligibility: First, you must determine if you are eligible to apply for a TN visa. Generally, to be eligible, applicants must be citizens of Canada or Mexico and possess specific professional qualifications and experience that are listed in the relevant section of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
2. Gather Necessary Documentation: Next, you will need to gather a variety of documents to support your application. These documents may include evidence of your nationality and professional qualifications, proof of current employment, a copy of your job offer (if applicable), and evidence of U.S. employer’s compliance with applicable labor laws and regulations.
3. Complete the Application Process: Once you have gathered the necessary documentation, you will need to complete the application forms and submit them to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Generally, you will need to submit Form I-129, Petition for a Non-immigrant Worker, along with supporting documentation.
4. Attend an Interview: After submitting your application, you may be required to attend an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. During the interview, you will be asked questions about your application and may be required to provide additional evidence of your qualifications and work experience.
5. Receive Final Decision: After the interview, USCIS will review your application and make a final decision about your eligibility for TN status. If approved, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) confirming your status as a TN visa holder, which is valid for up to three years.
Following these steps can help ensure that your application process goes as smoothly as possible and that you receive the TN visa you need in order to work in the United States.
What is the TN Visa Interview Process?
The TN visa interview process is, for the most part, a straightforward process. It involves the applicant attending an in-person interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy. At the interview, an immigration officer will ask questions to determine whether the applicant is qualified under the terms of the TN visa category.
The applicant must demonstrate that they have the qualifications listed in their application and provide evidence to prove that they have the qualifications needed to work in the United States as a TN professional. The officer will then review the applicant’s documentation and ask questions to confirm that they meet all of the requirements for the TN visa. This includes questions about their educational background, work experience, and any relevant professional licenses or credentials.
The interview may also cover topics related to the applicant’s personal background, such as their family and any previous travel to the United States. The officer will also discuss the purpose of their visit, how long they plan to stay in the U.S., and any other relevant information about their trip.
After reviewing all of the information provided by the applicant, the officer will make a decision on whether or not to approve or deny the application for a TN visa. If approved, the applicant will receive a visa sticker in their passport, which allows them to enter and work in the United States as a TN professional.
What are the Required Documents for TN Visa?
The following documents are required for a TN Visa application:
• A valid passport.
• An original, signed and completed Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker.
• An accompanying letter from the prospective employer, detailing the job offer and the terms of the professional relationship. The letter must include a statement of intent to employ the foreign national, the arrangements for remuneration and the duration of the employment.
• Evidence that the foreign national has at least the minimum qualifications to practice the profession in question, such as transcripts of degrees, certification or licensure documents.
• Evidence that the foreign national will not be working as a nonimmigrant in a U.S. labor market that is adversely affected by an influx of foreign professionals. This evidence can take the form of letters from current employers about their hiring practices, or statistical evidence about wages in the field.
• Evidence that the profession is on the list of “Professional Occupations That Qualify for TN Status” and that the foreign national meets all requirements for the profession (including any required educational qualifications).
What is the TN Visa Fee?
The TN Visa Fee is the fee required for a TN visa application, which is processed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The fee is currently $190 per TN visa applicant. This fee must be paid in order to process the application.
What is the TN Visa Processing Time?
The TN Visa processing time can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the individual applying for the visa. Generally, it can take up to three weeks for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process a TN Visa application. The processing time also depends on the number of applications that USCIS is processing at the time of your application and the availability of personnel to review your case. Additionally, it is important to note that other factors such as background checks, foreign government processing times, and if any additional documentation is required can also affect the processing time.
TN Visa Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a TN Visa?
A: A TN visa is a special nonimmigrant visa for citizens of Canada and Mexico who are engaged in certain activities in the U.S. under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The visa allows these citizens to enter the United States to engage in professional business activity on a temporary basis. It is available to citizens of Canada and Mexico with specific skills or qualifications in one of the sixty-three specified occupations listed in NAFTA.
Q: How long is a TN visa valid for?
A: A TN visa is generally valid for up to three years, although it can be extended in increments of up to three years. The maximum amount of time a Mexican or Canadian TN visa holder may stay in the United States is six years, after which he or she must return to their home country for at least one year before being eligible for another TN visa.
Q: What are the requirements for a TN visa?
A: In order to be eligible for a TN visa, applicants must demonstrate that they are a citizen of Mexico or Canada, possess the qualifications necessary for the profession in which they will be working, and have an offer of employment from a U.S. employer. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate that their proposed activities qualify as one of the sixty-three professional occupations listed under NAFTA.
Q: What documents do I need to obtain a TN visa?
A: Applicants seeking a TN visa must submit certain documents to provide evidence that they meet the requirements set forth by NAFTA. These documents may include evidence of citizenship, proof of professional qualifications or credentials, and an offer letter from an employer in the United States, among other documents.
Q: Is it possible to change employers while on a TN visa?
A: Yes, it is possible to change employers while on a TN visa. Individuals on TN visas are allowed to work for multiple employers; however, they must always continue to meet the requirements set forth by NAFTA. Additionally, they must obtain prior approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before changing employers.