All You Need to Know about Acquiring TN Visa – Technical Aspects about NAFTA Job List

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was created to encourage trade and investment between the United States, Canada, and Mexico by eliminating barriers to trade and investment and by providing a framework for cooperation. The agreement came into force on January 1, 1994.

NAFTA has two annexes that list the specific occupational categories that qualify for preferential treatment under the agreement. These are the:

• Annex 1603.D.1 – List of Qualifying Professional Occupations
• Annex 1603.D.2 – List of Qualifying Technical Occupations

To be eligible for a TN visa, the applicant must:

• Be a citizen of Canada or Mexico
• Possess the qualifications required for the position
• The position must be on the NAFTA list
• The position must be in a professional or technical occupation
• The applicant must have a job offer from a U.S. employer
• The applicant must intend to enter the United States temporarily to work in the occupation listed on the NAFTA list
• The applicant must satisfy the U.S. immigration authorities that he or she meets the requirements for the visa

Citizens of Canada do not need a visa to enter the United States. However, they must have a valid passport, a job offer from a U.S. employer, and the required qualifications for the position. In the same way, Mexicans need a visa to visit the United States territory. In addition to a valid passport, they must have a job offer from a U.S. employer and the required qualifications for the position.

The NAFTA list of qualifying occupations is divided into two parts:

• Part One – Professional Occupations
• Part Two – Technical Occupations

TN Visa Qualification

To qualify for a TN visa, the applicant must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in an occupation that is on the NAFTA list. The applicant must also have the required qualifications for the position.

The qualifications for a professional occupation are generally a bachelor’s degree or higher in the specific field. For some occupations, such as accountants and lawyers, professional licensure may also be required.

The qualifications for a technical occupation are generally two years of post-secondary education or training in the specific field. In some cases, work experience may be accepted in lieu of education.

The applicant must also satisfy the U.S. immigration authorities that he or she has the qualifications required for the position. The applicant may be asked to provide evidence of the qualifications, such as transcripts, diplomas, or professional licenses.

The TN visa is valid for three years and can be renewed indefinitely. There is no maximum number of renewals.

TN Visa Requirements

To apply for a TN visa, the applicant must submit the following to a U.S. consular office as mandatory TN visa requirements:

• A job offer letter from the U.S. employer
• Evidence of the applicant’s qualifications
• A detailed resume
• A non-refundable application fee
• The TN visa application process generally takes about two weeks.

Once the TN visa is issued, the applicant can enter the United States and begin working in the occupation listed on the visa. The TN visa does not allow the holder to change jobs or occupations.

The TN visa is a nonimmigrant visa and does not lead to permanent residence in the United States. However, the holder of a TN visa can apply for a green card if he or she meets the requirements for permanent residence. The TN visa is a great option for citizens of Canada and Mexico who want to work in the United States in a professional or technical occupation. The visa is relatively easy to obtain and there is no maximum number of renewals.

What Is the Difference Between Visa & Status?

A visa is a travel document that allows the holder to enter the United States for a specific purpose, such as tourism, business, or study. A visa does not grant the holder legal status in the United States.

Status is the legal term for the immigration status of a person in the United States. There are several different types of status, such as lawful permanent resident, refugee, and asylee. Each type of status has different rights and responsibilities.

High Number of Employment-Based TN Visas 

The TN visa is an employment-based visa. In order to obtain a TN visa, the applicant must have a job offer from a U.S. employer in an occupation that is on the NAFTA list. The applicant must also have the required qualifications for the position.

There is no limit on the number of TN visas that can be issued each year. In fiscal year 2018, a total of 84,176 TN visas were issued. The top five occupations for TN visa holders were computer systems analysts, management consultants, accountants, lawyers, and pharmacists.

The TN visa is valid for three years and can be renewed indefinitely. There is no maximum number of renewals.

To apply for a TN visa, the applicant must submit the following to a U.S. consular office:

• A job offer letter from the U.S. employer
• Evidence of the applicant’s qualifications
• A detailed resume
• A non-refundable application fee
• The TN visa application process generally takes about two weeks.

Once the TN visa is issued, the applicant can enter the United States and begin working in the occupation listed on the visa. The TN visa does not allow the holder to change jobs or occupations. 

TN Visa Interview Process

Although there is no formal interview process for a TN visa, consular officers may ask questions to verify that the applicant is eligible for the visa. The questions will generally be about the applicant’s qualifications, job offer, and plans for working in the United States.

Last Words – Should you go with TN Visa or Not? 

The TN visa is a great option for citizens of Canada and Mexico who want to work in the United States in a professional or technical occupation. The visa is relatively easy to obtain and there is no maximum number of renewals. There are a few professional consultants, lawyers and travel agents out there, who not only guide you but also apply for TN visa on your behalf. To make sure your case is strong enough, it is better to handover your case to a professional agency, like TN Visa.