TN Visa

​TN visa

TN status is a nonimmigrant status for NAFTA professionals who are citizens of Canada and Mexico. Canadian citizens may complete a TN application by applying at a port of entry without a TN visa. Mexican citizens must apply for a TN visa at a U.S. consulate seeking admission. In order to satisfy the TN visa requirements, the Canadian or Mexican citizen must be coming in engage in prearranged work that is in an occupation listed in the TN regulations. A person may be admitted in TN status or with a TN visa for the duration of the intended employment. The employer may file for an extension of stay on the Form I-129. TN visa extensions may be approved for up to 3 years, and there is no limit on the number of extensions. Dependents may obtain TD status.

TN Status for NAFTA Professionals (Citizens of Canada and Mexico)

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) created the special TN nonimmigrant category for certain professionals from Canada and Mexico seeking to work in the United States. Canadian citizens are generally eligible to be admitted on TN status without a visa, whereas Mexican citizens must obtain a TN visa to be admitted in TN status. The spouse and child(ren) of a TN nonimmigrant are eligible for TD status as derivatives. This article will look at the relevant statutes, regulations, and agency guidance to explain the rules for qualifying for and maintaining TN and TD status.

Ports of Entry Designated for Optimized L1/TN Processing for First-Time Canadian Applicants

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) designated fourteen ports of entry for optimized processing of first-time Canadian applicants for admission in the TN or L1 nonimmigrant categories. Although a first-time Canadian applicant for TN or L1 status may use any port of entry, the designated ports of entry for optimized processing will be able to process the application expeditiously.