The Professionals under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) visa are only available to citizens of Canada or Mexico. The TN visa permits qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to seek temporary entry into the United States to engage in business activities at a professional level.

Some types of professionals who are eligible to seek admission under the TN visa are: accountants, engineers, lawyers, pharmacists, scientists, and teachers.

To be eligible for TN non-immigrant status, some of the requirements are that:

  • You are a citizen of Canada or Mexico
  • Your profession qualifies under the regulations
  • The position in the United States requires a NAFTA professional
  • You have a prearranged full-time or part-time job with a U.S. employer
  • You have the qualifications of the profession

Eligibility Criteria for Canadian Citizens

If you are a Canadian citizen, you must provide the following documentation:

  • Proof of Canadian citizenship
  • Letter from your prospective employer detailing items such as the professional capacity in which you will work in the United States.
  • Credentials evaluation (if applicable)

If you are a Canadian citizen and are looking to apply for a TN visa, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Family of TN Visa Holders

Any accompanying or following family members may be eligible for TN nonimmigrant status. They must demonstrate a bona fide spousal or parent-child relationship.  Dependents do not have to be citizens of Mexico or Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the TN NAFTA Professionals Visa?

The TN visa, established under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), is a specialized visa category available exclusively for citizens of Canada or Mexico. It facilitates qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to temporarily enter the U.S. to engage in professional business activities. This visa aims to strengthen economic relations between the NAFTA countries.

2. Who Are the Professionals Eligible for the TN Visa?

The TN visa caters to a variety of professionals. Eligible roles include accountants, engineers, lawyers, pharmacists, scientists, and teachers, among others. Each profession has specific criteria that the applicant must meet to qualify.

3. What Are the Primary Eligibility Criteria for The TN Visa?

To be considered for the TN non-immigrant status, several criteria must be met. The applicant must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico. Their profession should be recognized under the NAFTA regulations. The position they aim to fill in the U.S. should require a NAFTA professional. Additionally, the applicant must have a prearranged job with a U.S. employer and possess the necessary qualifications for their profession.

4. Are There Specific Documentation Requirements for Canadian citizens Applying for a TN Visa?

Yes, Canadian citizens need to provide specific documents when applying for a TN visa. This includes proof of Canadian citizenship, a detailed letter from their prospective U.S. employer outlining their professional role, and, if necessary, a credentials evaluation. This documentation ensures that the applicant meets the requirements for the visa.

5. Can Family Members Accompany TN Visa Holders?

Absolutely. Family members, such as spouses or children, can accompany or follow TN visa holders to the U.S. It’s essential for them to establish a genuine spousal or parent-child relationship. Interestingly, these dependents aren’t required to be citizens of either Mexico or Canada.

6. How Long Can One Stay in the U.S. on a TN Visa?

The TN visa typically allows professionals to stay in the U.S. for an initial period of up to three years. However, extensions can be granted in increments of three years with no maximum limit, provided the individual continues to meet the visa requirements.

7. Can TN Visa Holders Apply for a Green Card?

The TN visa is a non-immigrant visa, meaning it’s temporary. While holding a TN visa, one can explore avenues to obtain permanent residency (Green Card), but it’s essential to navigate this process carefully to ensure compliance with immigration laws.