The TN Visa was created by the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the purpose of facilitating temporary employment in the United States for Canadian and Mexican citizens. The overall goal is to strengthen business and trade relationships between the three countries. There are two different types of TN statuses (described below). TN-1 Visas are for Canadian professionals and TN-2 Visas are for Mexican professionals.
TN Visa Requirements
You may be eligible for a TN-1 (Canada) or TN-2 (Mexico) Visa if:
TN Visa Period of Stay
The TN Visa period of stay can be as short as 1 day to as long as 3 years. There are also no limitations on TN Visa renewals. If you enter the United States under a TN status, then you are limited to temporary positions. However, there are no limitations on the option of going from a TN Visa to a Green Card in the future.
Eligible NAFTA Professions
Below are the 60 different positions that qualify for a TN Visa:
TN-1 Requirements for Canadian Citizens:
When applying for a TN-1 Visa as a Canadian citizen, you do not need to apply at a U.S. consulate. A qualified Canadian professional can apply while they are seeking admission to the United States by presenting the required documentation to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer at qualified designated ports of entry. The employer can also file a petition for the Canadian professional by filing the petition with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
You will need provide the following documentation to the Customs and Border Protection officer:
TN-2 Requirements for Mexican Citizens:
Mexican citizens will need to obtain a visa to enter the United States as a TN-2 Visa non-immigrant. This can be completed through an application for a TN-2 Visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in Mexico. Once your TN-2 Visa is approved, you will then need to apply for admission at Customs and Border Protection designated U.S. ports of entry or at a designated pre-clearance/pre-flight inspection station. The Customs and Border Protection officer will then make the final determination on your eligibility for admission.
Family of TN Visa Holders
The family of the TN Visa holder may have the ability to stay in the United States for the same period of time under the TD nonimmigrant status. The children must be under the age of 21 and the children and spouse would not be eligible to work in the U.S. Although they are not eligible to work in the United States, they will be permitted to study if applicable. Family and children will need to apply for admission into the United States at a Customs and Border Protection designated U.S. port of entry or at a designated pre-clearance/pre-flight inspection station.
TN Visa Lawyer In Phoenix
At Rose Law Group, our Immigration team is dedicated to helping and representing you. The first step in this process is for us to understand your particular case. Our goal is to take the time needed to understand your situation inside and out so that we can put you in the best position possible. After your free consultation, you will have a better understanding of the next steps you need to take to obtain a TN-1 or TN-2 Visa for yourself or an employee.
We provide a free confidential consultation. It’s important to us that you understand where you stand currently in the process. Schedule your free consultation today by filling out the form below.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Rose Law Group lawyers are licensed to practice law in Arizona. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.