Residents of Mexico and Canada who wish to enter the United States to work must first obtain a visa. Residents of these two countries are legally permitted to hold employment in the United States due to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The TN Visa, which is short for nonimmigrant NAFTA Professional, allows residents of Mexico and Canada to work in the country for predetermined business.
Those applying for a TN Visa must meet the following criteria if they wish to legally work in our country:
- Applicant must be a legal resident of either Canada or Mexico
- The applicant’s profession must appear on the approved list of business created by NAFTA
- The job in the country requires a professional from NAFTA
- The applicant will hold a job in a predetermined part-time or full-time position for the employer. Self-employment is not permitted
- The applicant meets all the requirements, educational and experience-wise for the position
For the most part, Canadian residents do not require a TN Visa to enter the country for work. Mexican residents, on the other hand, do require a TN Visa to work in the United States under NAFTA.
An application for a TN Visa can be completed online. Interviews are required for applicants between the ages of 14 to 79. There are some exceptions to this requirement if the application is for a renewal.
Are you unsure if you can have your TN Visa extended? An experienced California immigrantion attorney will be able to explain the laws of the state and the federal government regarding this visa issue.
Source: U.S. Department of State, “Visas for Canadian and Mexican NAFTA Professional Workers,” accessed Sep. 12, 2017
