For many international travelers, one of the most confusing and intimidating aspects of visiting the United States is understanding the visa application process. You might have heard about TN visas, but you might not be entirely sure what they are and their importance.
TN Visa is a non-immigrant visa reserved for citizens from Canada and Mexico. This status allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to enter the United States for a specific business, tourism, or medical purposes. You can refer to websites such as https://farmerlawpc.com/tn-visas/ to help simplify the process.
Moreover, the following guide explains everything you need to know about TN Visa, including the benefits, requirements for obtaining it, the process, and more.
Overview Of TN Visa
It’s no secret that many of the most highly compensated professionals live and work in the United States. But many international workers don’t realize that there are several visa options to help them work here legally. One of the most common is the TN Visa, which stands for “treaty non-immigrant.”
TN Visa or North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is a temporary work permit that allows Canadian or Mexican citizens who engage in business activities, including:
- trade shows and negotiations, consulting with business associates,
- attending scientific, educational, professional,
- Business conventions and conferences.
To be eligible for a TN visa, applicants must:
-Be a citizen of Canada or Mexico
-Possess the required qualifications for the professional occupation they wish to pursue in the United States (generally, this means holding a bachelor’s degree or higher in the field)
-Have a job offer from a U.S. employer in their chosen profession
-Intend to stay in the United States on a temporary basis (generally up to three years, with extensions possible)
The TN visa is the most important financial resource for TN visa holders. The visa allows holders to live and work in the United States. They can apply for jobs, start businesses, and access other financial resources.
Other financial resources available to TN visa holders include scholarships, grants, and loans. There are a number of organizations that offer these types of financial assistance to TN visa holders. For example, the American Association of Universities offers a scholarship program for TN visa holders who are pursuing a degree at a US university.
Duration Of Stay
In the present scenario, the US laws and regulations ensure that TN non-immigrants remain in the country for three years. In some cases, people might extend their stay to a three-year term based on fulfilling requirements according to the TN classification.
Benefits For TN Visa Holders
TN Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows holders to live and work in the United States with their spouses and minor children. TN Visa holders can work in any field for any employer, so long as the employer has a TN Visa-approved petition on file with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, there are other benefits like
- You can live and work in the USA for an indefinite period.
- You can change jobs at any time.
- You do not need a sponsoring employer in order to apply for a TN Visa.
Requirements For Professional Workers
- Should have Canadian or Mexican Citizenship proof
- Should have a Full-time or part-time job offer from a US employer from the United States.
- Should have relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
- Should have NAFTA profession
- Should have a TN Support employment letter with essential information like salary, duration of the work, employee qualification, etc.
Categories Of TN Visas
Below are two kinds of TN Visa Requirements.
TN1 for Canadians
This visa type is suitable for a Canadian citizen who belongs to another country with a non-Canadian spouse or child and plans to enter the US as a NAFTA Professional.
TN2 for Mexicans
This type is for Mexicans, where one should apply for a TN Visa to the US embassy or consulate in Mexico.
Step By Step Application Process
TN Visa requirements are straightforward to obtain, but the application process can confuse someone new. Here is a step-by-step guide to the application Process:
- Look for available fixed term Job posting
- Check if the profession falls under the NAFTA category
- Ensure that you meet the desired requirements
- Once you apply for the job, ensure to obtain an offer letter from the US employer.
- Collect required employer supporting documents
- Organize your paperwork to approach US customers
- Ensure to have a valid source of funds
- Lastly, you can have dependents travel with you
TN Visa Renewal
To renew your TN visa, you will need to submit a new application including all of the same documentation as the original application. You will also need to show that you have maintained your status as a temporary worker in the United States. If your job has changed since you received your original TN visa, you will need to provide updated documentation about your employment.
Drawbacks of TN Visa
There are a few potential drawbacks to the TN visa that immigrants should be aware of before applying. Firstly, the visa is only valid for a maximum of three years, after which time the holder must either apply for another visa or return to their home country. Secondly, the TN visa does not provide a path to permanent residency or citizenship in the United States, meaning that holders cannot eventually become citizens through this route. Finally, because the TN visa is tied to specific employment, holders may find themselves out of status if they lose their job or switch employers.
Conclusion
A TN visa is a temporary status that allows foreign nationals to temporarily live in the United States without having to leave the country for any reason.
If you’re new to the United States, getting a TN visa is your best bet for gaining legal status.
