The TN visa is a nonimmigrant visa that is ideal for individuals who are citizens of either Canada or Mexico and seek to enter the United States to work in a professional capacity on a temporary basis. The TN or TN-1 visa was created as a result of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) which now exists in modified form as the United States-Canada-Mexico Free Trade Agreement (USMCA).
TN's have advantages over other types of visas depending on your particular needs:
- TN's can be obtained faster than other visas
- TN's are suitable for employers that need to quickly hire a qualifying employee
- TN's are valid for up to 3 years and can be renewed indefinitely
- TN's can be obtained at the border
- Spouse and dependents can be admitted with the TN visa holder (and receive a TD visa)
Disadvantages of the TN Visa include:
- TN's are only valid for specified professional occupations
- TN spouses and dependents cannot lawfully work in the US
- TN visas are nonimmigrant visas and this can negatively affect individuals who later seek lawful permanent resident status in the US through a green card
Canadian and Mexican citizens qualify for the TN visa. Additionally, the job/business activity of the applicant must be approved. You must be qualified to work in the profession and have a job offer from a US employer that is temporary in nature (up to the maximum authorized 3 year period).
Contact Donald Gross Law for a free 30-minute consultation to start the TN visa application process.