Canadians looking for short term work permits should consider the
NAFTA "TN" (treaty national) visa. The visa includes most professional
designations. The TN visa is not designed for self employment. The visa is designed to
accommodate short term employment in a professional capacity. Consultants must demonstrate
that they are coming to the US to service a client, not to set up their own US business. Applicants
may apply at border posts. Show your professional credentials, proof of university
education and a cover letter from the employer describing your job duties. We will package
your petition for a flat fee of $750. The INS border inspector should process your
application within a few hours.
If you are already in the US you can apply for TN status by mail through an INS
regional processing center.
The Visa lasts one year but is renewable indefinitely. Common sense dictates that the
longer you have the TN visa the more scrutiny you face at the border.
The TN visa automatically expires upon application for permanent residence. If you have
a TN and want a green card, change status to H1B or E treaty status before applying for
the green card. The H1B lasts for up to six years, which is generally more than enough
time to process the green card.
The TN visa is only available to Canadian citizens, not landed immigrants.
The TN category offers Canadian professionals a fast track into the US. Once in the US
one may consider other options for a longer term stay.
You may be thinking; "Wasn't Mexico was included in NAFTA too?" Yes they
were, and the TN visa is available to Mexican Citizens also, but they must apply through
the INS Service Centers inside the United States, and are subject to longer processing
times. Our Mexican clients often wonder why this is too.
