Simkin.com - TN Visas

The nonimmigrant NAFTA Professional (TN) visa allows citizens of Canada and Mexico (NOT permanent residents), as NAFTA professionals to work in the United States.

If you wish to apply for this VISA you will need to be coming to the US to do work in a NAFTA profession, and possess the education and experience requirements for that profession.

First of all, a Canadian who is a NAFTA Professional many times will not even need a VISA, but if necessary or desired it can generally be obtained immediately at the border. A TN Visa will also allow a spouse or children of other citizenships to accompany the TN holder via the TD Visa.

If a Canadian wishes to obtain a TN Visa at the border, he or she should have the following information:

Request for admission under TN status to Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, U.S. immigration officer

Employment Letter - Evidence of professional employment. See Employment Letter below

Proof of professional qualifications, such as transcripts of grades, licenses, certificates, degrees, and/or records of previous employment

Proof of ability to meet applicable license requirements

Proof of Canadian citizenship- Canadian citizens may present a passport, as visas are not required, or they may provide secondary evidence, such as a birth certificate. However, Canadian citizens traveling to the United States from outside the Western Hemisphere are required to present a valid passport at the port-of-entry

Fee of U.S. $50

Mexican citizens still require a visa to request admission to the United States.

Mexican citizens may apply at consular sections around the world for a NAFTA professional (TN) visa. As part of the visa application process, an interview at the embassy consular section is required for most visa applicants.

Each Mexican applicant for a TN visa must submit these forms and documentation, and submit fees as explained below:

An application, Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-156, completed and signed.

Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-157 provides additional information about your travel plans. Submission of this completed form is required for all male applicants between 16-45 years of age. It is also required for all applicants from state sponsors of terrorism age 16 and over, irrespective of gender, without exception.

A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States.

If you are applying outside of Mexico a 2x2 photograph is required and must follow

Letter of employment in the United States

For more information, or for help determining and obtaining the right VISA for you, please consider a legal consultation.