TN | NAFTA Professionals

Form TN, NAFTA Professionals, is a nonimmigrant visa that allows qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to seek temporary entry into the U.S. to engage on business activities at a professional level. Those applying for TN nonimmigrant visas are typically accountants, engineers, lawyers, pharmacists, scientists, and teachers. The TN visa was created under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which created special economic and trade relationships for the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

To perform this type of work in the U.S., a visa is not required for a Canadian citizen entering as a NAFTA Professional, although a visa can be issued to qualified Canadian TN visa applicant upon request (See below Q&A section). Mexican citizens require TN visas to request admission to the United States in this status.

Qualifications

  • 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 (not self-employment)
  • You have the qualifications to practice in the profession in question

What You'll Need

  • Passport
  • Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160
  • Application fee payment receipt (if required to pay before your interview)
  • Passport style photo
  • A contract or letter of employment in the U.S.
  • Documentation proving that you meet the minimum education and/or work experience requirements

Questions? Contact us.

Whatever your immigration issue may be, we are here to help. Our team of attorneys and staff work hard to help you reach your goals.

FAQs

When is a NAFTA Professional (TN) visa required for a Canadian citizen?

A Canadian who resides in a third country with a non-Canadian spouse and/or child(ren), and who plans to enter the United States as a NAFTA professional with  family member(s), will need a TN visa in order for the family member(s) to be eligible to apply for derivative TD nonimmigrant visa(s).

Is there a fee to file the TN Visa?

Yes, there are fees associated with the TN Visa.

  • Filing at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate Abroad: $160
  • USCIS petition filing fee: $460 (only necessary if the foreign national is inside the U.S. and switches to a TN visa from another visa status. TN visas only need USCIS approval in this rare situation).
  • Premium processing: Employers can pay the $2,500 premium processing fee when available, and USCIS will adjudicate the TN petition within 15 calendar days. This means USCIS will approve, issue a request for evidence or deny the visa petition.
How can I file my TN Visa form?

You can file your form online or by mail. Filing online allows you to:

  • Pay your filing fee online
  • Check the status of your case
  • Receive notifications and case updates
  • View personalized case completion date estimates
  • Respond to requests for evidence
  • Manage your contact information, including updating your address

 

You can create an account to file online. You can also mail your form to your region’s designated USCIS office.

Of course, you can choose to manage your case independently. However, working with immigration experts can help you navigate the process and provide guidance throughout.

You may be represented, at no expense to the U.S. government, by an attorney or other duly authorized representative. Your representative must submit Form G-28, Notice of Entry or Appearance as Attorney or Representative. Your representative may also submit Form G-28 at the time of your interview.

Why should I work with ImmigrationUSA?

Immigration issues can be quite complicated. Combine that with the current rate of change in U.S. policies, it can be hard to keep up. Our team puts their experience to work for you and your particular situation. We work hard to stay on top of policy changes and are prepared for changes down the line. We offer patented online software, MyEsq, that streamlines the filing process and makes our knowledgeable team of lawyers just a click away.

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