What Is A TN Visa?
If you come across TN visa when looking for which US visa is right for you, this article will answer the question, “What is a TN visa?”
A TN visa is a US nonimmigrant visa that allows Canadian and Mexican citizens to enter the United States as NAFTA professionals. It’s a non-petition-based visa, meaning that you or your employer won’t have to file a petition before you can start your application online.
You can use a TN visa to do various prearranged business activities. On the contrary, you cannot benefit from this scheme if you’re a permanent resident of Canada or Mexico, as it’s exclusively for citizens.
What Documents Do I Need for a TN Visa?
You must hold a few documents to process a US visa application for Canadian and Mexican NAFTA Professional Workers.
Here’s a list of these documents:
- Form DS-160 confirmation page, which automatically generates after completing your nonimmigrant visa application
- Passport valid for your entire stay in the US and for at least six months after your intended trip
- One printed photo of you in color, sized at 22 mm × 35 mm
- Proof of visa fee payment
- An employment letter or contract showing you have a job offer in the United States. It must feature your purpose of entry, academic qualifications, an elaborate description of your job responsibilities, amongst other relevant information.
Proof of satisfying the academic and work experience requirements, such as your educational certificates, letters from previous employers, etc.
How Long Does a TN Visa Take?
The US visa for Canadian and Mexican NAFTA Professional Workers typically takes several months to process. However, you can opt for its premium processing, which costs additional fees and takes 15 business days to process.
Related: American TN Visa Guide for Visitors from NAFTA Countries.
How Many Times Can You Extend a TN Visa?
There is no maximum limit to how many times you can extend a NAFTA Professional (TN) visa. Each TN visa extension allows you to stay and work for an additional three years in the United States. It requires you to provide a return flight ticket to prove that you’ll leave the US after your employment ends.
Can a TN Visa Lead to a Green Card?
Yes, you can qualify for the United States green card after staying for some time on a NAFTA Professional visa. That means you can convert from this visa to being a US permanent resident.
How Much Does a TN Visa Cost?
The application fee for a NAFTA Professional visa is $185 and is nonrefundable. You’ll have to pay the fee before your visa interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate.
Once your visa is approved, you may also need to pay an issuance fee, depending on whether you’re from Canada or Mexico.
How Long is a TN Visa Interview?
Interviews for NAFTA Professional visas vary in duration, from 15 minutes to three hours. You might have to wait long before it’s your turn.
Is TN Visa Easy to Get?
Yes, the United States NAFTA Professional visa is straightforward and quick to get, provided you are eligible. These include possessing good educational qualifications, relevant work experience, and an employment offer from a US employer.
Read Next: How To Get A New Zealand Work Visa.
