What you need to know about TN for Mexican Citizens
Are you a Mexican professional looking to work in the United States? Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), you could have the option to get a temporary work visa in the United States. Read on to find out more information on the TN Visa for Mexican citizens.
Overview of the TN Visa
The TN nonimmigrant classification, or the TN Visa, allows Mexican (and Canadian) nationals temporary stay in the US for business activities at a professional level. You may enter and work in the United States if you fall under the category of approved TN NAFTA Professionals. Some examples include accountants, engineers, lawyers, scientists, and teachers. You may only apply for a TN visa as someone who has been working as a NAFTA professional. You are not eligible to apply for a TN visa to become a NAFTA professional.
The general eligibility requirements for a TN visa for Mexicans include the following:
• You are a Mexican citizen;
• Your profession is included in the list of eligible NAFTA professions (examples included above);
• The position you are going to work in requires a NAFTA professional;
• You have a prearranged full-time or part-time job with a US employer;
• You are not self-employed;
• You have the necessary qualifications to perform the profession you are seeking.
If you meet the above requirements, you should consider applying for a TN visa. With the TN visa, you will be able to work and reside in the United States for increments of three years at a time. While there is no limit to how frequently you may renew the visa, TN visa beneficiaries must have the intention to leave the U.S. upon completion of their project or employment period for the US employer.
Application Process
Applications can be self-petitioned. You can begin your application by submitting Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application in addition to a photo for identification purposes. Once the application is submitted, the Mexican Embassy will process the application and you will be invited for an interview by consular officers.
You will need to submit proof of your professional qualifications, including diplomas and licenses. You will also need to provide documentary evidence of your intent to depart from the U.S. following the completion of your project or employment period, to the satisfaction of the consular officer… to practice a given profession. If granted the visa, you will be allowed entry into the U.S.
Visas for Family Members
If granted the TN visa, your spouse and/ or unmarried, minor child(ren) under the age of 21, may apply for and be granted a TD visa which allows them to reside in the U.S. for the duration of your business. They are not authorized to work in the U.S. but are allowed to attend school.
4 Benefits of a TN Visa
Four benefits of the TN visa program include the following:
1. You may conduct your business while legally residing in the US;
2. You may enjoy the benefit of indefinite renewals or “extension of status”;
3. You can secure visas for your family members; and
4. There is no annual cap on the number of TN visas granted.
Why Hire an Immigration Attorney?
The TN Visa application can be a complicated process to navigate through on your own. An immigration attorney can help both you and your family navigate through the entire process and make sure that your application is completed completely, on time, and without errors. One thing to note is that TN visas do not lead to permanent citizenship or a Green Card. If you wish to pursue those other permanent citizenship options or just the TN visa, contact us for an assessment or consultation.