The US has treaties with Mexico and Canada which contain a list of professions which qualify for TN status. Professions such as accounts, economist, nurses, engineers, scientific technicians, interior designers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and biologists (among others) can come to the US as non-immigrants and work for up to three years in specific professions. We can assist you with these filings and, where possible, at the Canadian border.
Details:
The TN visa is a non-immigrant visa category that allows certain Canadian and Mexican professionals to work in the United States temporarily. The TN visa is part of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It’s designed to facilitate the temporary employment of professionals from Canada and Mexico in certain designated occupations.
Here are some key points about TN visas under the USMCA:
- Eligibility:
- To be eligible for a TN visa, applicants must be citizens of Canada or Mexico.
- They must also be professionals in one of the specific occupations listed in the USMCA treaty.
- Each occupation has specific educational and/or experience requirements that the applicant must meet.
- Application Process:
- TN visa applicants typically apply for the visa directly at a U.S. port of entry (land, air, or sea), rather than through a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Applicants are required to provide documentation supporting their eligibility, such as diplomas, licenses, or letters from employers.
- Employers often play a significant role in the process, as they may provide job offers and supporting documentation to demonstrate that the employment meets the TN visa requirements.
- TN Occupations:
- The list of TN-eligible occupations is specific and includes professions like accountants, engineers, lawyers, nurses, and computer systems analysts, among others.
- The list may change, so it’s important to consult the most up-to-date information provided by the U.S. government.
- Duration:
- TN visa holders are generally granted initial periods of stay of up to three years, with the possibility of extensions in three-year increments.
- TN visas are considered temporary and do not lead to permanent residency or a green card, although holders can maintain TN status for an extended period if they continue to meet the visa requirements.
- Renewals and Extensions:
- TN visa holders can apply for extensions to continue working in the United States.
- It’s important to ensure that the applicant continues to meet the specific requirements of the TN category when applying for extensions.
TN visas offer professionals from Canada and Mexico the opportunity to work in the United States in designated fields, making it a valuable option for cross-border employment.