Generally speaking, a foreign national who wants to go to the United States has to apply for a visa beforehand, particularly if they want to work there for pay. Because they may apply for the TN Visa for NAFTA Professionals, applicants may find this simpler under the terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Learn more about it by reading the details provided below.
What is a NAFTA professional’s TN visa?
By organizing commercial operations in advance for American or international employers, nationals of Mexico and Canada (but only as NAFTA professionals) are permitted to work in the United States under the TN Visa for NAFTA Professionals. Only NAFTA-eligible nationals of these nations may access this document; permanent residents cannot.
Only a select group of eligible citizens may apply for this visa by meeting specific requirements, such as having a prearranged work offer in the United States.
We suggest reading the details below to find out more about the TN Visa, including the price, processing time, and criteria.
For which individuals is the TN Visa for NAFTA Professionals available?
Applications for TN Visas are limited to nationals of Canada and Mexico who have valid employment offers from U.S. employers that have been arranged in advance. Consequently, this position has to be included in the NAFTA professional categories list. In addition, the candidate needs to meet specific requirements, such as holding a bachelor’s degree.
The candidate needs to adhere to the following criteria:
The applicant will work in a prearranged full-time or part-time employment for a business; the profession is on the NAFTA list; the position required is in the United States and needs a NAFTA professional; and the applicant is a citizen of Canada or Mexico (see Required Documentation). Working for yourself is prohibited.
The candidate satisfies the necessary academic requirements, experience requirements, and/or special qualifications for the position.
Everything TN Visa-Related for NAFTA Workers
What is the application fee for a TN Visa?
Depending on the application, the costs may change somewhat. For instance, the overall cost of the TN Visa will increase if the applicant chooses to retain legal counsel.
For NAFTA professionals, the following costs must be paid in order to process a TN Visa:
- The visa application filing cost, which is USD 160 (you may verify this amount by visiting the USCIS website).
- USD 460 for the filing fee for the USCIS petition; this is only required if the foreign national alters their visa status while they are in the country. However, it may cost USD 50 to apply at a port of entry through CBP (only for Canadians).
- There will be an additional fee of USD 2,500 if the applicant chooses to use Premium Processing to get the TN Visa in less than 15 working days.
Please note that we are not covering attorney expenses or the cost of travelling to the United States.
For NAFTA professionals, how long does the TN Visa application process take?
For NAFTA professionals, this is not a difficult procedure, which is why obtaining the TN Visa may just take a few months (two to six). But as a NAFTA Professional, you may choose Premium Processing, which enables you to receive your visa in a maximum of 15 working days.
Please be aware that depending on a number of variables, such as preparing the paperwork, the procedure may occasionally take longer. We are working hard at TNVisaExpert.com to provide you with an online solution that will enable you to expedite the processing of your TN Visa. Click here for more details. We advise you to read this instruction through again while we get ready for that service.
Can I apply online for a TN Visa as a Professional from NAFTA?
Your TN Visa application procedure begins with fully online stages. Recall that in addition to you filling out an online application for a nonimmigrant visa, the employer must file a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129).
The majority of the procedure may be completed remotely using a computer and WiFi, however the embassy interview requires presence.
Except in very rare circumstances (such as when an applicant is 80 years of age or older), interviews are typically necessary for those seeking visas. Please note that interview wait periods vary depending on the location, therefore it is best to apply for your visa as soon as possible.
How do I apply for a NAFTA professional TN visa?
Depending on your nationality, the application procedure often consists of only three or four phases.
You have the following options if you’re Canadian:
- When you arrive in the United States, apply at Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
- Submit an application online. In order for you to request entrance once the application is accepted, your employer has to send Form I-129 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. At a U.S. port of entry, you must apply for entrance.
If you’re Mexican, though, the procedures are a little different. You must complete the following tasks:
- Step 1: Send your documentation, Form DS-160 (which you may fill out online), and a passport-style photo to a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Step 2: Make an appointment for an interview at the American embassy in your area.
- Step 3: Requires you to show up for the interview before you wait for the go-ahead.
- Step 4: That’s all there is to it! After your visa is accepted, you may proceed to the U.S. port of entry and apply for entrance.
Essential Required Documents
The process of applying for a TN Visa is usually simple, and obtaining the necessary paperwork isn’t hard. For each TN application procedure, the following materials are required:
- A TN support letter from your workplace.
- The cost of the application.
- Form I-129 (signed and filed by your employer).
- Form DS-160 (if you are Mexican).
In addition, if you are a Mexican, you will need to gather the following materials for the embassy interview:
- A valid passport for travel to the United States.
- The receipt for the application fee payment.
- A professional passport-style picture.
- An employment letter issued in the US.
- Proof that you have the required amount of education and/or job experience.
