TN Visa & NAFTA Work Visa

INTENDED PURPOSE OF VISA

Professional Employment for Citizens of Canada and Mexico.

TN VISA - NAFTA WORK VISA

The TN visa is a USA work visa based upon the NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement). It allows for the employment of citizens of Canada or Mexico in certain professions in three-year increments. For a list of qualified professions and educational requirements to TN USA work visa, please see: The NAFTA Secretariat Website

IN ORDER TO QUALIFY

  1. You must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico to be eligible for the TN Visa as opposed to other USA work visas.
  2. You must have an offer of employment from a US business for a job in a particular profession and you must meet the education and/or licensure requirements for that profession.
  3. As a Canadian citizen, you can apply directly with a US immigration officer at most border ports of entry and airports in Canada. You must have proof of the job offer, proof of your citizenship and proof of your credentials. Further information on the TN work visa application procedures can be found at the US State Department’s Website.
  4. As a Mexican citizen, you apply directly for the TN USA work Visa at a US Consulate in Mexico providing the same documentation as listed above.

LENGTH OF VISA

TN visas are valid for up to three years at a time.

ADVANTAGES

TN visas can be renewed indefinitely. However, these USA work visas were not intended for permanent residence. They are not subject to quotas such as H-1B visas. A TN Visa is relatively easier to obtain and take less time to obtain than an H-1B visa and the filing fees are minimal compared to those associated with the H-1B visa.