TN Visa

TN Visa

The TN visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to work in the United States in certain professional occupations. The TN visa is only available to citizens of Canada and Mexico because it is part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

Eligibility Criteria for TN Visa

To be eligible for a TN visa, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

  1. Be a citizen of Canada or Mexico
  2. Have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a qualifying profession
  3. Possess the necessary qualifications for the job, including education, experience, or training
  4. Have a pre-arranged temporary employment contract with a U.S. employer

Qualifying Professions

The TN visa is available to applicants in a wide range of professional occupations, including but not limited to:

  1. Accountant
  2. Engineer
  3. Lawyer
  4. Management consultant
  5. Medical professional
  6. Scientific researcher
  7. Teacher
  8. Computer systems analyst

Application Process for TN Visa

The application process for the TN visa involves several steps:

  1. The U.S. employer must submit a job offer letter to the applicant.
  2. The applicant must provide evidence of their qualifications for the job, such as a degree or professional certification.
  3. The applicant must complete the TN visa application and submit it to the U.S. consulate or embassy in their home country.
  4. The applicant must attend an interview at the consulate or embassy and provide any additional information requested by the consulate officer.
  5. If approved, the applicant will be issued a TN visa that is valid for up to three years.

Validity and Renewal

The TN visa is initially valid for up to three years, but it can be renewed indefinitely in three-year increments as long as the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria.

Dependents: The TN visa holder’s spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may accompany them to the U.S. on a TD visa. Dependents cannot work in the U.S., but they can attend school.

Advantages of TN Visa

The TN visa has several advantages for Canadian and Mexican citizens:

  1. It allows for quick and easy entry into the U.S. for work purposes.
  2. It is valid for up to three years, with the possibility of renewal, providing long-term work opportunities.
  3. It allows for dual intent, meaning that TN visa holders can apply for permanent residency without jeopardizing their TN status.