TN Visas
What is a TN Visa?
A TN visa, also known as a Trade NAFTA visa, is a nonimmigrant visa that allows qualified professionals from Canada and Mexico to work in the United States. This visa was created under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), now updated to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), to facilitate the temporary employment of NAFTA professionals in specific occupations.
The TN visa is valid for up to three years but can be renewed indefinitely as long as the individual meets eligibility requirements. This visa is available exclusively to Canadian and Mexican citizens whose occupations fall under the list of NAFTA-approved professions, such as engineers, lawyers, scientists, and teachers.
TN Visa Requirements for Eligibility
To qualify for a TN visa, applicants must meet specific requirements, including:
- Proof of Canadian or Mexican Citizenship: Applicants must present a valid passport or similar documentation.
- A Pre-Arranged Job Offer in the U.S.: The job can be either full-time or part-time, but it must be with a U.S.-based employer or a foreign employer with a U.S. entity.
- Qualifications for the Role: Depending on the job title and field, a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or equivalent qualification may be necessary.
- Job Offer in a Listed NAFTA Profession: The position must fall within one of the 60 approved NAFTA professions, which include occupations such as healthcare professionals, architects, accountants, and social workers.
Canadian and Mexican professionals seeking TN visa status should ensure they have the documentation to demonstrate their eligibility before beginning the application process.
How to Apply for a TN Visa
Applying for a TN visa involves several important steps. Although the process can vary slightly based on the U.S. embassy or consulate, the general steps are as follows:
- Complete the DS-160 Online Visa Application: This is the Nonimmigrant Visa Application. Be sure to print the confirmation page to bring to your visa interview.
- Upload a Photo: Your photo must meet the U.S. visa photo requirements. For Mexican applicants, a photo upload is mandatory, but Canadians may not need to provide one.
- Schedule an Interview: Interviews are required for most visa applicants, with exceptions for younger (13 and under) or older (80 and above) applicants. The interview will occur at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, preferably in your country of residence.
- Prepare for Wait Times: Processing and wait times for interviews vary depending on the embassy or consulate, so it’s crucial to apply as early as possible.
The TN visa application process may differ slightly for Canadian and Mexican citizens. Mexican applicants must apply through a U.S. Consulate, while Canadian citizens can often apply directly at the port of entry.
What Documents Are Required to Apply for a TN Visa?
Applicants for a TN visa must gather the following documents before their interview:- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay in the U.S.
- DS-160 Confirmation Page: This is required for the visa interview.
- Application Fee Payment Receipt: Bring proof of payment, if applicable.
- Employer Contract or Employment Letter: This document confirms your job offer and outlines your role, length of employment, and proof of the professional qualifications required for the position.
- Educational and Professional Credentials: Bring evidence of your qualifications, such as diplomas, degrees, professional licenses, and letters from past employers.
- Proof of Intent to Return Home: Although the TN visa is temporary, you must provide evidence that you intend to return to Canada or Mexico after your U.S. employment.
In some cases, additional documentation may be required, especially if further proof of eligibility or intent to return home is needed. Licensure for specific professions is not mandatory for obtaining a TN visa, but it may be beneficial when entering the U.S. or when state authorities request it. For the latest instructions on how to apply, be sure to review the guidelines of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country.