What is a TN Visa?

Also commonly known as the TN NAFTA Professionals. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), created a special economic and trade relationship for the United States, Canada and Mexico. The TN visa essentially is a visa for nonimmigrants that allows citizens of Canada and Mexico to work in specific professional occupations in certain fields. It is a temporary visa that is valid up to three years, but it can be renewed indefinitely as long as the holder continues to meet the eligibility requirements.

You also must seek an extended stay and in this case your employer may file form I-192 on your behalf. The Mexican and Canadian process of obtaining this visa is not the same. The process for Mexican citizens is a two-step process, in which they will start by applying directly to the United States Embassy.

TN visas allow qualified Mexican citizens to live and work in the United States, as long as their U.S. job offer falls under a list of NAFTA professions. For Mexican citizens, they must apply for a TN visa, in order to receive admission into the United States. Meaning, they have to get approved for the visa in order to enter the country.

How to know if you are eligible for a TN Visa:

You need proof of your Mexican citizenship, such as a passport.
A prearranged job in the United States with a U.S. or a foreign employer with a U.S entity. This can be a job offer that mentions the descriptions of professional activities that will be performed and the expected length of stay as well as a description of compensation for the individual.
Qualification to practice, such as a bachelors or masters degree which are applicable to NAFTA.
The job being offered should fall under 60 of the NAFTA Professions.

How to apply for a TN Visa as a Mexican citizen:

You will need to submit paperwork directly to the U.S. embassy or consulate in Mexico along with Form DS-160
Application fee
Attend interview where the professional will show evidence of the job and their professional credentials
Review a visa number
Once you are approved for the visa, seek entry in the U.S. port of entry. A CBP officer will determine if the individual is eligible for admission and will be granted TN nonimmigrant status.

Conclusion

As we’ve explored the intricacies of the TN Visa application process for Mexican citizens, it’s important to remember that Canadian applicants have their own unique opportunities and challenges when eyeing the vibrant cityscapes of New York or the tranquil beaches of California. Be sure to check out our earlier blog post, Taco Trucks and Maple Syrup Dreams: A Guide to TN Visas for Canada and Mexico if you are a Canadian applicant.

This process of TN Visa application can be intimidating and time consuming but with the right assistance and guidance from an immigration lawyer, applying for your TN Visa shouldn’t be stressful. An immigration law firm can help you ensure that all documents are accurate and ready for a favorable decision.

If you ever need assistance with your TN Visa application, know that Qazi Law is here to walk you through the process and help you attain your goals. Give us a call at 630 504-0648 or book an evaluation appointment here and have your case evaluated to know if you qualify for a TN Visa.