TN Visa – Treaty NAFTA
NAFTA is the North American Free Trade Agreement. The TN visa
is a non-immigrant visa created in 1992. It is available to Mexicans and
Canadians citizens temporarily entering the U.S. to work in professional fields pre-designated
in the NAFTA Treaty. It creates special economic and trade relationships for
the United States, Canada and Mexico. The nonimmigrant NAFTA Professional (TN) visa
allows citizens of Canada and Mexico, as NAFTA professionals to work in the United
States. Permanent residents, including Canadian permanent residents, are not able to apply
to work as a NAFTA professional.
Professionals of Canada or Mexico may work in the U.S. under the following conditions:
- Applicant is a citizen of Canada or Mexico;
- Profession is on the NAFTA list;
- Position in the U.S. requires a NAFTA professional;
- Mexican or Canadian applicant is to work in a prearranged full-time or part-time job, for
a U.S. employer (see documentation required). Self employment is not permitted;
- Professional Canadian or Mexican citizen has the qualifications of the profession
TN-1 Visa holder’s privileges:
- Permission to legally work in the U.S.
- May travel in and out of the U.S.
- May be employed on a part-time basis
- May change or add employers without losing status by following proper procedures
- May bring his/her spouse and minor dependents to the U.S. on TD visas
- Dependents with the TD visa can attend U.S. schools, colleges and universities, but cannot
work
- May bring a domestic servant to the U.S. on a B-1 visa, if he/she meets the requirements set
