TN Visa Made Easy: Step-by-Step Guide for Canadian and Mexican Professionals

To obtain a TN visa, which is available to Canadian and Mexican professional workers under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), you generally need to follow these steps:

• Determine Eligibility: Ensure that your profession is listed in the NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) Appendix 1603.D.1, which outlines eligible professions for TN visas. You must also meet the educational and/or experience requirements specified for your profession.
• Obtain a Job Offer: Secure a job offer from a U.S. employer for a position that qualifies under the TN visa category. The job should be temporary in nature, and the employer must be willing to sponsor your TN visa.
• Prepare Documentation: Gather the necessary documentation, which typically includes:
  • Proof of Canadian or Mexican citizenship.
  • Letter of employment from the U.S. employer detailing the job offer, job duties, and intended duration of employment.
  • Educational credentials or proof of experience, as required for your profession.
  • Any relevant licenses or certifications required for your profession.
• Complete Form DS-160: Fill out Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, on the U.S. Department of State’s website. This form collects your personal information and visa-related details.
• Pay Fees: Pay the non-refundable visa application fee, which is required for processing your TN visa application.
• Schedule Visa Interview: Schedule a visa interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in Canada or Mexico. During the interview, you’ll need to present your documentation and answer questions about your background, qualifications, and intended employment in the U.S.
• Attend Interview: Attend the visa interview at the scheduled date and time. Be prepared to provide truthful and accurate information about your TN visa application.
• Receive Visa Approval: If approved, you will receive your TN visa stamp in your passport, allowing you to enter the United States and work for the specified employer in the approved position.

How to fill out Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker

Filling out Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, requires careful attention to detail to ensure accuracy and completeness. Here is a general guide on how to fill out this form:

• Part 1 – Petitioner Information:
  • Provide the name, address, and contact information of the U.S. employer or petitioner.
  • If applicable, indicate whether the petitioner is an individual or an organization.
• Part 2 – Information About the Nonimmigrant Worker:
  • Provide the beneficiary’s personal information, including full name, date of birth, and country of birth.
  • Specify the beneficiary’s intended nonimmigrant classification (e.g., H-1B, L-1, TN, etc.).
  • Indicate the beneficiary’s U.S. address (if already in the U.S.) and foreign address.
• Part 3 – Additional Information About the Beneficiary:
  • Provide details about the beneficiary’s current immigration status (if already in the U.S.), including the status expiration date.
  • If the beneficiary has previously been in the U.S., provide the dates of prior stays and relevant visa information.
• Part 4 – Requested Action:
  • Select the appropriate box indicating the requested action (e.g., New employment, Change of employer, Extension of stay, etc.).
  • Provide details about the requested action, such as the start date of employment, position title, and job duties.
• Part 5 – Beneficiary’s Employment and Education:
  • Provide information about the beneficiary’s education, including the highest level of education completed and the field of study.
  • Describe the beneficiary’s work experience relevant to the intended employment in the U.S.
• Part 6 – Agent or Attorney Information (if applicable):
  • If the petitioner is represented by an agent or attorney, provide their information, including name, address, and contact details.
• Part 7 – Additional Information:
  • Answer the questions in this section regarding the beneficiary’s background, such as criminal history, previous immigration violations, and other relevant factors.
• Part 8 – Declaration and Signature of Petitioner:
  • The petitioner or authorized representative must sign and date the form, certifying the accuracy of the information provided.
• Part 9 – Interpreter’s Contact Information (if applicable):
  • If an interpreter assisted in completing the form, provide their information, including name, address, and contact details.
• Filing Fee and Supporting Documents:
  • Include the required filing fee with the form.
  • Attach supporting documents, such as a job offer letter, beneficiary’s resume, educational credentials, and any other relevant evidence.