The TN visa, exclusive to NAFTA professionals, is a nonimmigrant visa that doesn’t lead to acquiring green cards or U.S. citizenship. It’s accessible to professionals such as attorneys, teachers, scientists, engineers, pharmacists, accountants, and select other occupations. An essential requirement is having a pre-existing job offer in the U.S.; individuals cannot use this visa to seek employment upon arrival. This visa category serves those specifically with job placements, preventing individuals from using it as a means to enter the country and search for work. Its primary focus is to facilitate temporary employment for eligible professionals in the United States under NAFTA regulations.
- You must be a Canadian
- Your profession must qualify under current regulations
- the job you intend to take upon arrival in the United States requires a NAFTA professional to fill it
- You must have been offered a full-time or part-time job by a United States employer
- You must not be coming to the United States to be self-employed
- You must have all the necessary qualifications to practice your profession, such as college or university degrees, licenses, and other credentials
- The process you use to come to the United States on a TN visa depends on whether you are coming from Mexico or Canada.
TN Visas for Canadian Citizens
Canadian citizens are not required to apply for TN visas at U.S. consulates. Instead, Canadians may establish eligibility for this classification when they seek admission to the United States.
As a Canadian, you may simply present the required documentation to a Customs and Border Protection officer at certain ports of entry, or at designated pre-clearance or pre-flight inspection stations. If this is the route you choose to take, you will need to provide the following documentation before entering the United States:
- Proof that you are a Canadian citizen
- A letter from your prospective employer that explains your job in the United States, the purpose of your employment, how long you intend to stay, and your qualifications to perform the job
- A credentials evaluation, if applicable
- You don't have to present this documentation at a border crossing if your employer has chosen to file a Form I-129 on your behalf. If your Form I-129 has been approved, you only need proof of your Canadian citizenship and your approval notice from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for your Form I-129.
If your family members are all Canadian citizens, no visa is required for them to accompany you to the United States. They will, however, need to furnish proof of Canadian citizenship and their relationship to you, as well as photocopies of your admission documents and proof that you are maintaining your nonimmigrant status. If your family members are not all Canadian citizens, it may be in your best interest to discuss your options with an attorney. Your family members will most likely need specific visas, and an attorney can tell you what they are and how to obtain them.
How Long Can You Remain in the United States on a TN Visa?
The initial period of stay on AT end visa is three years. It’s important that you know your family members can only stay in the United States as long as you are in TN status.
It is possible to extend your stay in the United States beyond three years. You have two options to do so. First, you can ask the U.S. government to extend your stay on your visa documents. Your second option is to leave the United States and re-enter using the same process you used for your initial entry.
How Long Does it Take to Get a TN Visa?
If you need a TN visa, it may take around six months for processing. However, premium processing is available for these visas; that means if you pay extra money with your application, the United States government will process it within 15 calendar days. Premium processing is expensive, though, so depending on your circumstances, it may be better to wait. Also, remember that if you are a Canadian citizen, you do not need preapproval to come to the United States. You can simply present your documentation to a CBP officer at a port of entry.
How Much Does a TN Visa Cost?
Visa costs can, and often do, change. The best way to find out how much your TN visa will cost is to visit the USCIS fees page or ask your immigration attorney. The cost of a TN visa also depends on whether you have to apply for it from Mexico or simply present your documentation to a CBP officer (available to Canadians only) at a border crossing.
Do You Need to Talk to an Attorney About Getting a TN Visa?
If you’re a NAFTA professional who wants to get a TN visa, we may be able to help you. Call our office today to schedule your free consultation with an experienced attorney who understands U.S. immigration law and how it works – as well as how you can get a TN visa to come to the United States to work.
If you’re an employer who wants to apply for a TN visa to hire a worker from Canada or Mexico, we can help you, too. Our mission is to ensure that all our clients have clear-cut, actionable guidance when it comes to U.S. immigration matters.