Raleigh TN Visa Attorneys

Lawyers in Wake County Helping Professionals Obtain Visas Under NAFTA

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) created special economic and trade ties between the United States, Mexico, and Canada. As part of NAFTA, Mexican and Canadian citizens, who are members of certain professions—including accounting, engineering, law, and education—may enter the United States on a TN visa to temporarily work in the United States.

At Vasquez Law Firm, PLLC, we understand that there are always going to be challenges involved in getting foreign nationals the credentials they need to live and work in the United States legally. Whether you are looking to come to the United States on a TN visa or you are an American employer looking to employ a TN visa applicant, our lawyers are fully prepared to help you along the way.

What is a TN Visa?

A TN visa will initially be granted for a maximum period of up to three years. A TN visa holder who wishes to remain in the United States may seek extensions for three years at a time. There is no limit on the maximum number of extensions or years a person may stay in the United States in TN status.

General TN Visa Eligibility

In order to be eligible for a TN visa, an applicant must:

• Be a citizen of either Canada or Mexico
• Be a member of a profession listed as eligible in the North American Free Trade Agreement
• Have an existing full-time or part-time job offer in the United States with a United States employer
• Be seeking a position in the United States that requires a NAFTA professional
• Have the required qualifications to practice in the profession and perform the job in question

Requirements for Canadian Citizens

Canadian citizens may apply for a TN visa at the time they seek admission to the United States by presenting the required documentation to United States Customs and Border Protection while crossing the United States/Canadian border, or at a pre-clearance/pre-flight inspection station at a Canadian airport prior to boarding a flight to the United States.

A Canadian citizen may apply at a United States port of entry with the following documentation:

• A request for admission under TN status
• A letter of employment from a United States employer
• Proof of professional qualifications such as transcripts, licenses, certificates, degrees, and records of previous employment
• Proof of ability to meet applicable license requirements
• Proof of Canadian citizenship

Requirements for Mexican Citizens

Mexican citizens need to obtain a TN visa from a United States embassy or consulate prior to being granted admission to the United States. In order to receive a visa, a Mexican citizen will need to submit the following documents to the United States Embassy in Mexico City or a United States consulate:

• A completed Form DS-160 (submitted online)
• A passport-style photograph (submitted online with Form DS-160)
• A contract or letter of employment from a United States employer
• Proof of professional qualifications such as transcripts, licenses, certificates, degrees, records of previous employment
• Proof of ability to meet applicable license requirements
• A Mexican passport valid for at least six months

As part of the visa application process, the applicant will be interviewed by a consular officer regarding their TN visa application. Once the visa application is approved, the individual may apply for admission at a United States port of entry.

Family-Related Concerns for TN Visa Holders

Spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age are eligible to accompany a TN visa holder to the United States with TD non-immigrant status. Spouses and unmarried children do not need to be Mexican or Canadian citizens in order to be eligible for TD status. Individuals in TD status are not eligible to work in the United States.

Contact an Experienced Business Immigration Lawyer Today

If you or someone you know is interested in obtaining a TN visa to live and work in the United States, contact the offices of Vasquez Law Firm, PLLC today. Our team has helped many Mexican and Canadian citizens successfully complete the TN visa application process. To learn more, call 1-844-YO-PELEO for a free consultation at any of our three North Carolina office locations.