TN Visa » For Canadians and Mexicans Working in the United States (NAFTA) 

Are you a Canadian or Mexican citizen trained as a professional in one of the eligible professions according to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)?

Do you wish to use your skills and knowledge to temporarily work in the United States for a company that has offered you a position? If so, you may qualify for the TN Visa.

We have provided a synopsis of the TN visa for you, including some of the questions and answers you may want to know before applying.

Who Qualifies or is Eligible for the TN Visa? 

You qualify for the TN Visa if you are a Canadian or Mexican individual or their relatives. This visa is also for businesses who are looking to fill a position in their US organization but not for a business itself.

The applicant must be the individual with the job offer and not the business. The applicant must be seeking temporary residence for work in the United States and must have a valid job offer for a job listed on the qualifying NAFTA occupation list.

To be eligible for the TN visa, applicants must meet the following:

• You are a citizen of Canada or Mexico
• Your profession qualifies under the regulations
• The position in the United States requires a NAFTA professional;
• You have a prearranged full-time or part-time job with a US employer (but not self-employment)
• You have the TN visa education requirements to practice in the profession in question

What is the TN – NAFTA Visa 

The TN – NAFTA visa is for Canadian and Mexican individuals, families, businesses, or investors seeking temporary residence in the United States for work.

TN Visa Professions 

An abbreviated list of professionals who are eligible to seek admission as TN non-immigrants is as follows:

• Accountant
• Architect
• Chemist
• Dentist
• Economist
• Graphic Designer
• Lawyer
• Pharmacist
• Physician
• Teacher
• Urban Planner
• Veterinarian

How to Apply for the TN Visa

Proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or passport), a temporary offer of employment from a US employer, copies of relevant educational degrees, diplomas, and certificates, as well as letters of reference from previous or current employers confirming your experience in your occupation are required.

What is the TN Visa Processing Time?

The processing times for the professional worker visas vary depending on several factors such as:

• The office or service center responsible for processing the file
• The type of non-immigrant visa
• TN visa interview wait times (if applicable)
• Whether the applicant can qualify for an expedited interview appointment
• Whether Expedited processing is available
• Whether Premium Processing is available
• Providing insufficient or incomplete documents can lead to delays in processing and even denials

Top 10 Reasons for Refusal of the TN Application 

While there are many reasons why your TN visa application could be refused, we have listed the ten most common here:

1. Current and or past immigration status and history in the US or abroad, including overstaying and unauthorized employment
2. Insufficient funds to support themselves during their stay
3. Incorrect or incomplete petition
4. Insufficient supporting evidence
5. Conflicts with travel documentation
6. Health concerns
7. Suspicion of malicious intent
8. Problems with a background check
9. Criminal history/Being convicted of a crime/Suspected or known ties to terrorism
10. Material Misrepresentation