What is required to process a TN?
The position offered must be a professional position listed on the Appendix 1603.D.1 of the NAFTA. Click here for a list of TN professions. Whether applying for admission at the port of entry or applying for a VISA at a US consulate, TN applicants must present a TN support letter that includes the terms of the job offer, and is prepared by TAMUCC Immigration Services. It will contain information regarding the offer, the position, the job duties, the educational and experience requirements, and the applicant’s eligibility for TN status. The TN applicant should NOT use the Notice of Appointment or offer letter, as it does not contain the detailed information required for this process and would create a delay or possibly the denial of the TN admission.
Internal Processing for TN Applicants – TAMUCC hiring departments should contact Immigration Services to request for TN letters for Canadian citizens 3-4 weeks prior to the targeted start date. Request for TN letters for Mexican citizens should be received by TAMUCC Immigration Services, 4-8 weeks prior to the target start date.
The Applicant will complete the Online Visa Application and schedule an interview with the U.S. Consulate having jurisdiction over his/her place of residence. Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so the applicant should apply for a visa early.
TN applicants must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States, and present the following:
- TN Letter that is prepared by TAMUCC Immigration Services
- CV/Resume
- Educational Credentials with translations and credentials evaluations
- Employment Verification Letters if experience is required for the job offered
Mexican citizens applying for a visa will schedule a visa interview with the consulate online and complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160, pay the necessary fees, and upload photos if requested.
In the Interview the TN applicant will present
The Nonimmigrant Visa Application confirmation page
- Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview
- Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160.
- TN Letter to support the application that will include
- Purpose of entry;
- A detailed description of anticipated business activities or job responsibilities;
- Proposed duration of stay the United States;
- Educational qualifications or appropriate credentials demonstrating professional status;
- Evidence of your compliance with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations and/or state laws; and
- Arrangements for your pay.
- Documentation proving that you meet the minimum education and/or work experience requirements set forth in Appendix 1603.d.1 of NAFTA chapter 16 – Evidence of education would include degrees, diplomas, certificates, professional licenses, and /or membership in professional organizations. To demonstrate your experience, present letters from former employers. If you were self-employed, provide your business records.
Additional Documentation May Be Required
A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualifications for a TN visa. Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of your intent to depart the United States after employment as a NAFTA professional, e.g., family or business ties may be sufficient to show your intent to return to your home country.
- Spouse and Children – Spouses and unmarried, minor children may apply for TD visas to accompany the TN to the United States or join later. The Principal will be required to show ability to financially support his/her dependents family in the United States.
- If your spouse or children are not Canadian citizens, they must visit the U.S. Consulate to apply for a dependent/ TD nonimmigrant visa.
- Mexican citizen spouse and children must apply for TD nonimmigrant visas.
- Individuals in TD status may live and study for the duration of their authorized stay in the US., but they are not eligible to work. However, a TD may change his/her status to an employment category if he/she has a job offer/sponsor.