The nonimmigrant NAFTA Professional (TN) visa allows citizens of Canada and Mexico, as NAFTA professionals, to work in the United States in prearranged business activities for U.S. or foreign employers. Permanent residents of Canada and Mexico are not able to apply for TN visas to work as NAFTA professionals.

Can you apply for a TN visa while in the US?

In fact, the TN visa is not a “dual intent” visa. This means that you can’t use it to come and work in the United States while seeking permanent residence and could face penalties for doing so. Unlike Canadian nationals, Mexican nationals cannot immediately apply for TN status at a U.S. port of entry.

What is TN status in USA?

TN (Trade NAFTA) status is a nonimmigrant employment visa which allows Canadian and Mexican citizens who work in specific professional occupations to work in the United States.

Can I go from TN visa to green card?

Can TN visa holders transition to a green card? This is one of the most common questions that TN visa holders ask, especially after they have spent some time in the U.S. The short answer is yes, it is indeed possible to obtain permanent resident status as a TN visa holder.

Can a Canadian citizen get a TN visa?

Though the term “visa” is often used, Canadians are not actually issued a TN “visa.” Instead, they are admitted in TN status if approved. As of July 2020, TN visas are being issued under the newly formed United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

What are the disadvantages of having a TN visa?

If a Canadian citizen has been in TN status for several years, he or she should speak with an immigration lawyer about changing to another visa category, such as an H-1B visa. A third disadvantage to TN status is that it is more difficult to apply for an employment-based green card. The reason goes back to the “intent to return” rule.

Can a tn 1 visa holder get a green card?

Yes, a TN-1 Visa holder can obtain a Green card by marriage. We help Canadians and Mexicans with their Green card marriage application each day, so you can do it, too.

What are the disadvantages of TN status in Canada?

Other professions require a degree or post-secondary diploma plus verified experience. A second disadvantage of TN status is that the Canadian citizen must demonstrate an intention to return to Canada upon the expiration of TN status. This is not usually an issue when it is an applicant’s first application.