top of page
  • Matthew Kolodziej

All About the TN Visa for Canadian and Mexican Nationals

The TN visa is a professional work visa especially for Canadian and Mexican nationals based on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The TN visa boasts a relatively simple application process and other advantages over other common work visa types. Like the more common H-1B visa, the TN is generally for professionals who are being offered a job that requires at least a bachelor’s degree, but is limited to certain specific occupations, which each have specific requirements, as described in Appendix 1603.D.1 of NAFTA. The supply of TN visas is unlimited, as the visa is not subject to an annual cap, unlike the H-1B visa, allowing Canadians and Mexicans to obtain a TN at any time without being subjected to a visa lottery. TN status is generally issued for up to three years at a time and theoretically can be renewed in three-year increments for an unlimited amount of time. In addition, the TN can be obtained at the US consulate or even directly at the border, in the case of Canadians, without having to first obtain an approval from the US immigration service (USCIS), meaning that it is relatively quick and easy to get, generally speaking, compared to virtually all other US work visas, even under the current administration’s strict immigration-related adjudication policies.

While remaining one of the simplest and quickest visas to get, the TN visa does have some disadvantages. One is the fact that it is a non-immigrant visa, which means that the visa holder cannot intend to reside in the U.S. permanently and must maintain ties to his or her home country. Therefore, if a TN visa holder does want to eventually apply for permanent residence (a “green card”), a careful legal strategy is necessary to ensure continued compliance with the TN visa and its non-immigrant intent requirement during the green card process. Options such as switching to a “dual-intent” visa, such as an H-1B or L-1, may be discussed with an immigration attorney. In addition, although Canadians may apply for TN status directly at a port of entry at the US border, Mexican nationals must apply for the visa at a US consulate abroad. The TN visa was also rumored to have been in danger of disappearing during the Trump administration’s renegotiation of NAFTA, but it appears to be unchanged. However, like most all other immigration benefits under the Trump administration, this relatively simple visa has become more difficult to get under Trump’s “extreme vetting” policies.

Nevertheless, the TN visa remains a very advantageous visa that allows theoretically unlimited stays in the US for Canadian and Mexican professionals who maintain either full- or part-time professional employment here and a relatively quick and flexible application and renewal process. If the TN visa holder loses his or her job, for example, they may be eligible for a 60-day “grace period”, which may allow them to find another TN-eligible position. If they find a new visa sponsoring employer they may either apply to extend their TN status by filing a petition with USCIS, or they may leave the US and apply directly at the border, if they are Canadian, or at a US consulate, if they are Mexican, to extend their TN status with the new sponsoring employer, if necessary.

Canadians and Mexicans considering accepting employment in the US, or US employers considering hiring Canadian or Mexican nationals, should check the TN professional occupation list and consult with an immigration attorney to determine if the job and the employee qualify for the TN visa.

 

All rights reserved. All content of this blog is the property and copyright of Jia Law Group and may not be reproduced in any format without prior express permission.

Contact marketing@jiaesq.com for more information or to seek permission to reproduce content. This blog is intended for general information purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. The reader should consult with knowledgeable legal counsel to determine how applicable laws apply to specific facts and situations. Blog posts are based on the most current information at the time they are written. Since it is possible that the laws or other circumstances may have changed since publication, please call us to discuss any action you may be considering as a result of reading this blog.

By using this blog you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog/Web Site publisher. The Blog/Web Site should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

DSC_2100.jpg

Request for a 
free consultation now!

One of our dedicated team members will contact you promptly to provide the support you need.

bottom of page