TN VISA

Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), certain citizens of Canada and Mexico are eligible to enter the U.S. under the nonimmigrant TN visa classification. The TN Visa enables Canadian and Mexican citizens to temporarily work in the U.S. in a NAFTA-approved professional occupation (click here for a list of NAFTA approved job titles). TN status can be granted for a period of three years. Previously TN status was granted for a period up to one year. TN status can be renewed indefinitely, as long as the applicant can show that the proposed stay continues to be of a temporary nature.

The following are the requirements to be eligible for the TN Visa:

1. The foreign national must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico

2. The prospective job position must be on the NAFTA list as an approved occupation.

3. The foreign national must possess the necessary education or training for that profession (minimum of a Baccalaurean degree in a related area or its equivalent in work experience - 12 years).

Please note that Canadian Citizens may apply for the TN-1 Visa, and Mexican citizens may apply for the TN-2 Visa. The process to obtain a TN-2 Visa is very different than that of the TN-1. Canadian Citizens may apply in person for a TN visa at a port of entry whereas Mexican citizens have to file a Petition with USCIS and than apply for a non immigrant visa at a consulate.

Spouses and/or unmarried children under the age of 21 are eligible to enter the U.S. under the derivative TD-1 and TD-2 visas. Family members are not required to be Canadian or Mexican citizens, and are eligible to remain in the U.S. for the duration of the TN Visa holder's stay. They may either accompany the TN Visa holder to the U.S. or come at a later time. TD visa holders are not allowed to work while in this visa category.