NAFTA Work Permit TN Visa

TN Visa

The North American Free Trade Agreement or NAFTA is an agreement between Canada, The United States of American and Mexico. This agreement is a free trade agreement that is designed to increase trade among these great nations. As such, it also has implications with respect to immigration and travel between these countries.

If you are a citizen of Canada or Mexico, depending on your intended purpose in the US, you may be exempt from requiring Labour Certification and can obtain your TN visa at a port of entry or airport.

This means that providing the right documentation and making the right application can lead to you obtaining your TN visa upon entering the US! This is the fastest way to get a US work visa.

Qualifying for a TN Visa

The TN Visa only applies to Citizens of Mexico and Canada. Unfortunately, permanent residents or non-citizens do not qualify.

In order to have your application processed on the spot and qualify for a TN visa, you will need:

  • Proof of your citizenship
  • A job offer from a valid US employer;
  • you must be law-abiding and have no record of criminal activity;
  • Proof of your education and work experience needed for the position
  • Letters of reference from previous employers

List of Eligible Occupations

In order to qualify for a TN visa under NAFTA, you will need to have a valid job offer in one of the following occupations. Further, you will also need to have the necessary minimum educational background.

General

Profession Minimum Education Requirements or Alternative Credentials
Accountant Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or C.P.A., C.A., C.G.A. or C.M.A.
Architect Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial license2
Computer Systems Analyst Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or Post-Secondary Diploma3 or Post-Secondary Certificate4, and three years experience
Disaster Relief Insurance Claims Adjuster (claims Adjuster employed by an insurance company located in the territory of a Party, or an independent claims adjuster) Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree, and successful completion of training in the appropriate areas of insurance adjustment pertaining to disaster relief claims; or three years experience in claims adjustment and successful completion of training in the appropriate areas of insurance adjustment pertaining to disaster relief claims
Economist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Engineer Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial license
Forester Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial license
Graphic Designer Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or Post-Secondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate, and three years experience
Hotel Manager Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree in hotel/restaurant management; or Post-Secondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate in hotel/restaurant management, and three years experience in hotel/restaurant management
Industrial Designer Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or Post-Secondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate, and three years experience
Interior Designer Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or Post-Secondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate, and three years experience
Land Surveyor Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial/federal license
Landscape Architect Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Lawyer (including Notary in the Province of Quebec) , B.C.L. or Licenciatura Degree (five years); or membership in a state/provincial bar
Librarian M.L.S. or B.L.S. (for which another Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree was a prerequisite)
Management Consultant Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or equivalent professional experience as established by statement or professional credential attesting to five years experience as a management consultant, or five years experience in a field of specialty related to the consulting agreement
Mathematician (including Statistician) Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Range Manager/Range Conservationalist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Research Assistant (working in a post-secondary educational institution) Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Scientific Technician/Technologist Possession of:
(a) a theoretical knowledge of any of the following disciplines: agricultural sciences, astronomy, biology, chemistry, engineering, forestry, geology, geophysics, meteorology or physics; and
(b) the ability to solve practical problems in any of those disciplines, or the ability to apply principles of any of those disciplines to basic or applied research
Social Worker Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Sylviculturist (including Forestry Specialist) Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Technical Publications Writer Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or Post-Secondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate, and three years experience
Urban Planner (including Geographer) Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Vocational Counsellor Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree

Medical/Allied Professional

Profession Minimum Education Requirements or Alternative Credentials
Dentist D.D.S., D.M.D., Doctor en Odontologia or Doctor en Cirugia Dental; or state/provincial license
Dietitian Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial license
Medical Laboratory Technologist (Canada)/Medical Technologist (Mexico and the United States)6 Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or Post-Secondary Diploma or Post-Secondary Certificate, and three years experience
Nutritionist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Occupational Therapist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial license
Pharmacist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial license
Physician (teaching or research only) M.D. or Doctor en Medicina; or state/provincial license
Physiotherapist/Physical Therapist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial license
Psychologist State/provincial license; or Licenciatura Degree
Recreational Therapist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Registered Nurse State/provincial license; or Licenciatura Degree
Veterinarian D.V.M., D.M.V. or Doctor en Veterinaria; or state/provincial license

Scientist

Profession Minimum Education Requirements or Alternative Credentials
Agriculturist (including Agronomist) Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Animal Breeder Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Animal Scientist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Apiculturist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Astronomer Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Biochemist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Biologist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Chemist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Dairy Scientist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Entomologist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Epidemiologist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Geneticist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Geologist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Geochemist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Geophysicist (including Oceanographer in Mexico and the United States) Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Horticulturist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Meteorologist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Pharmacologist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Physicist (including Oceanographer in Canada) Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Plant Breeder Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Poultry Scientist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Soil Scientist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Zoologist Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree

Teacher

Profession Minimum Education Requirements or Alternative Credentials
College Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
Seminary Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree
University Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree

How We Can Help

The TN Visa is just one way that the US and Canada work in tandem. The TN visa is the fastest way to obtain your work visa in the US. Generally, a foreign national who wishes to enter the US to work must first obtain their visa before entering the US, however, under NAFTA, this application can be made at a port of entry if you are a Canadian or Mexican citizen.

Though this application can be submitted at a Port of Entry, but if not done properly, you could face refusal and the long trip home.

We will assist you:

  • Draft the necessary forms;
  • Work with you and your employer to obtain the proper documentation;
  • Draft appropriate supporting documentation like a contract, employment offer letter, etc. service agreements etc.;
  • Ensure that you comply with all aspects of NAFTA;
  • Help prepare your resume to highlight qualifications;
  • Work with previous employers to assist you in gathering reference letters;
  • Prepare you for an attempt at the Port of Entry;
  • Provide you with documents that you will travel with to ease your entry into Canada;
  • Compile the strongest possible case as per your unique situation; and
  • Of course, be with you every step of the way.

For more information on the TN Visa, feel free to browse our vast collection of information on the subject or contact us directly at 1-877-622-8182 or 416 477 2570. You can also email at Info@ToImmigrate.com.

If you were authorized to enter U.S. with a TN visa, you are typically permitted to stay from 1 to 3 years. Should you require more time, you may be able to apply for an extension. In order to get an extension, you will need to file the right forms as well as provide the proper supporting documents:

  • Your transcripts, diplomas or certificates
  • Display your foreign credential evaluation, if your degree or diploma is from outside of the 3 NAFTA countries
  • Experience letter
  • Information about the employer or company you may be working for.
  • Required fees
  • Valid passport

You may be able to submit the above documents by mail. If you failed to file for extension before it expired, you may be denied an extension. These are terms you may need to meet, to be eligible for an extension:

  • You may have to be physically present in the United States.
  • You may have to apply 45 days before the expiration of the TN visa.

You may be allowed to work for 240 days after your visa has expired, and if you have filed for an extension before the expiration date. However, if a decision on your extension application is rendered before the 240 days, and decision is negative, your authorization to work will be terminated.

It is extremely important that you understand the terms of your TN status or your TN visa, and rules associated with the extension of your status. You can contact us and our team of professionals will be happy to assist you with your immigration needs.

TN visas are a type of employment visa that is only available for Canadian and Mexican citizens, as the TN visa program is part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between, U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Here are some of the requirements for a TN visa:

  • Be a Canadian or Mexican citizen
  • Have a valid passport
  • You may be required to have a job offer from a U.S. employer
  • You need an employer’s support letter
  • Your qualifying occupation must be in the list of eligible occupations
  • You may have to meet the specific criteria of the profession.
  • Proof of education – the applicant’s degree, transcript.
  • Resume ( may display your work experience)
  • Description of the company and your position in the company
  • Must be a law abiding citizen and have no criminal record
  • Pay the government fee

You may be able to apply for a TN visa at the port of entry. You may have to present all the documents to the officer including the job offer from your employer, and all the other required documentation.

If you qualify, you will be given a TN-1 status. Canadian citizens may not be required to obtain a visa, but instead they may receive TN status.

We can help you draft all the necessary forms and help you prepare your supporting documents as well as prepare you with making an application at a port of entry. You can contact us and our team of professional will be happy to assist you.

In order to qualify for a TN visa, your profession will have to be listed on the lists of professionals covered by North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

TN visa usually requires you to have a job offer from a U.S. employer in one of the listed professions under NAFTA. Most professions require a high level of education. Here are some of the examples of professions covered by NAFTA:

General

Accountant

Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or C.P.A., C.A., C.G.A. or C.M.A.

Architect

Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial license2

Computer Systems Analyst

Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or Post-Secondary Diploma3 or Post-Secondary Certificate4, and three years experience

Economist

Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree

Engineer

Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial license

Medical/Allied Professional

Dentist

D.D.S., D.M.D., Doctor en Odontologia or Doctor en Cirugia Dental; or state/provincial license

Dietitian

Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree; or state/provincial license

Teacher

College

Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree

Seminary

Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree

University

Baccalaureate or Licenciatura Degree

 

 

The list of professional is not limited to the above, but this gives you an idea of the education and skill requirements.

If your profession is not listed in the professions covered by NAFTA, then you may not qualify for a TN visa, but you may have other options that are better suited for your situation.

You can contact us and our team of professionals will be happy to help you assess your options, and direct you in the right direction.

TN visas are a type of employment visa that is only available for Canadian and Mexican citizens, as the TN visa program is part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) between, U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Here are some of the requirements for a TN visa:

  • Be a Canadian or Mexican citizen
  • Have a valid passport
  • You may be required to have a job offer from a U.S. employer
  • You need an employer’s support letter
  • Your qualifying occupation must be in the list of eligible occupations
  • You may have to meet the specific criteria of the profession.
  • Proof of education – the applicant’s degree, transcript.
  • Resume ( may display your work experience)
  • Description of the company and your position in the company
  • Must be a law abiding citizen and have no criminal record
  • Pay the government fee

You may be able to apply for a TN visa at the port of entry. You may have to present all the documents to the officer including the job offer from your employer, and all the other required documentation.

If you qualify, you will be given a TN-1 status. Canadian citizens may not be required to obtain a visa, but instead they may receive TN status.

We can help you draft all the necessary forms and help you prepare your supporting documents as well as prepare you with making an application at a port of entry. You can contact us and our team of professional will be happy to assist you.

If you are a Canadian or Mexican citizen and you wish to come to the U.S. for business reasons at a professional level, then you may choose to apply under the TN NAFTA Professionals program. One of the main conditions under this program is that the position you were offered is a profession covered by NAFTA.

When you have found a position with a prospective employer, you should make sure the position offered is listed on this list and that you also meet the educational requirements that corresponds with the occupation.

For most of these occupations, a baccalaureate or licenciatura degree is required. This being said, some of them may allow a different academic certificate or diploma.

At Akrami & Associates, we can help you assess you eligibility in this class. We may also assist you with forms, the types of documentation you should provide as support and anything involved with the process in general. With the help of one of our legal professionals, there is always a way.

The following occupations include,

General

  • Accountant
  • Architect
  • Computer Systems Analyst
  • Disaster Relief Insurance Claims Adjuster
  • Economist
  • Engineer
  • Forester
  • Graphic Designer
  • Hotel Manager
  • Industrial Designer
  • Interior Designer
  • Land Surveyor
  • Landscape Architect
  • Lawyer
  • Librarian
  • Management Consultant
  • Mathematician
  • Range Manager/Range Conservationalist
  • Research Assistant
  • Scientific Technician/Technologist
  • Social Worker
  • Sylviculturist
  • Technical Publications Writer
  • Urban Planner
  • Vocational Counselor

Scientist

  • Agriculturalist
  • Animal Breeder
  • Animal Scientist
  • Apiculturist
  • Astronomer
  • Biochemist
  • Biologist
  • Chemist
  • Dairy Scientist
  • Entomologist
  • Epidemiologist
  • Geneticist
  • Geologist
  • Geochemist
  • Geophysicist
  • Horticulturist
  • Meteorologist
  • Pharmacologist
  • Physicist
  • Plant Breeder
  • Poultry Scientist
  • Soil Scientist
  • Zoologist

Medical/Allied Professional

  • Dentist
  • Dietician
  • Medical Laboratory Technologist
  • Nutritionist
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Pharmacist
  • Physician
  • Physiotherapist/Physical Therapist
  • Psychologist
  • Recreational Therapist
  • Registered Burse
  • Veterinarian

Teacher

  • College
  • Seminary
  • University

More Articles ...

  1. How to Get a TN Visa to Work in the United States: 5 Steps
  2. 10 Tips for TN Visa
  3. NAFTA TN Visa
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