How to Get a TN Visa to Work in the US
The United States grants visas (permission to stay for a long time period) to non-citizens for many reasons. One such visa, called a TN visa, allows Mexican and Canadian citizens to work in the United States under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). NAFTA created distinctive economic and trade relationships among the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Here are a few tips to acquire an American TN visa successfully.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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Work in a field that is on NAFTA's approved job list. The U.S. government recognizes that shortages of good workers exist in many professional fields, and it has created a list of such fields for public viewing. (See Resources.)
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Obtain a pre-arranged full- or part-time job with a U.S. firm that needs a NAFTA professional. You must have a job offer before applying for a TN visa. You may not be self-employed under a TN visa.
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Research and learn the special requirements for Canadian citizens. Canadian citizens do not always need TN visas. However, a Canadian who lives in another country and has a spouse and children who are not Canadian citizens must apply for a TN visa. Approval of the TN visa allows the spouse and children to apply for TD (spousal/dependent) visas.
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Meet special requirements for Mexican citizens. Interviewing at a local NAFTA consular section, fingerprinting and obtaining a passport are all steps to complete before the U.S. issues a TN visa. Mexican male citizens between the ages of 16 to 45 must complete the Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, which details additional information about their travel plans. Mexican citizens residing in the following countries--North Korea, Cuba, Sudan, Syria and Iran--must submit the supplemental form regardless of gender or age.
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Submit the electronic TN visa form online. Depending on demand and your country of citizenship, approval may come in a few weeks or may take months. (See Resources.)
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Comments
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tnvisaexpert
Sep 02, 2009
Beware this article implies you can apply for your TN Visa online -- this is incorrect. You must apply for the initial TN Visa in person at a Port of Entry. The electronic form that is referenced is a required document for Mexicans. It is also in addition to the standard application documents. This electronic form does not apply Canadians and Americans. Hope this helps. TN Visa Expert Support "Providing the TN Visa Kit that Gets You into the United States"
