TN STATUS PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEE UNDER NAFTA
TN (Trade NAFTA) status is a temporary professional nonimmigrant classification for citizens from
Canada and
Mexico only. This visa is granted based on a job offer in the U.S. (see
sample of TN job offer letter
*), proof of the individual's qualifications for the position, and an application presented at the port-of-entry. The TN status will be granted for 1 year at a time, and is renewable indefinitely. There is a specific
list of occupations
that are eligible for the TN status. Most occupations on a university campus are included on this list. All occupations require the minimum of a baccalaureate degree or the foreign equivalent.
USCIS requires no prior processing before the TN enters the U.S. All documents are presented at the port-of entry, the status is granted, and the individual is admitted. Renewals of the TN status can be processed by re-entering the country again, or through an application process by mail. The
provisions for entry of
workers from Mexico
under the TN category
have changed as of
January 1, 2004. Mexican
citizens can apply
directly for the TN visa
at U.S. Consulates in
Mexico without prior
USCIS approval. In
addition there is no
numerical cap on TN's
for Mexican citizens.
Dependents of TN workers are admitted into the U.S. under the TD status. TD dependents are allowed to attend school in the U.S., but cannot be employed under any circumstances.
DURATION OF STAY
USCIS PROCESSING TIME
- Canadian citizens - one day at the Border
- Mexican citizens -apply directly at the U.S. Consulate in Mexico
Before submitting any paper work to IFSS read carefully
Instructions Concerning General Petition Processing Procedures
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*
Note: Access to some of these
documents is restricted to TAMU
employers or hosts of visiting
scholars only. If you are a TAMU
employer/host and do not have an
authorization password, please
contact IFSS at (979) 862-1719.
