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TN Visa (Trade NAFTA)

TN Visa Attorney in St. Charles, Missouri

Many visa categories are available for foreign nationals from every country in the world. However, there are a few special visas that are reserved only for foreign nationals from specific countries. One of these special visas is called the TN visa and it is only intended for professional workers from Canada or Mexico.

The TN Visa application procedure entails more than just filling out and submitting forms to US immigration officials. Handling an immigration issue on your own can increase the time spent waiting for the resolution you deserve. Working with a qualified Missouri immigration lawyer can help streamline the immigration process and put you in a better position to achieve your goals.

Why Do I Need a TN Visa Lawyer in Missouri?

The TN Visa application process can be complex and stressful for all parties involved. Every TN Visa application is unique, and although some cases may be similar, certain facts and circumstances can lead to different immigration options. Since each immigration case is unique, it is crucial to seek legal advice from a credible St. Charles TN visa lawyer who can provide guidance and reassurance throughout the visa application process.

At Gateway Immigration Firm, we provide detailed, creative, and efficient immigration services to guide you through the complexities of the U.S. Immigration system. Our immigration law firm has a worldwide reach and a long track record of securing visas, green cards, naturalization, and citizenship for the people we represent. 

Contact us now to schedule an initial consultation and let us ease the process of applying for your TN visa.

What is a TN Visa?

St. Charles tn visa attorneyTo create better economic relationships between countries in America, the United States, in cooperation with Canada and Mexico, created the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Under this agreement, qualified citizens of Canada or Mexico may be able to obtain a TN visa to enter the United States to engage in business activities at a professional level. The TN visa is a non-immigrant visa, and as such, the visa program may be a good fit for companies seeking to fill positions temporarily for up to a few years. There are two distinct types of TN status based on nationality:

  • TN-1 is for Canadian professionals
  • TN-2 is for Mexican professionals

The procedures, forms, filing locations, filing fees, available TN Visa options, and immigration benefits are subject to changes. Therefore, it is important to consult a knowledgeable St. Charles TN visa lawyer who can give you the most current information.

TN status is valid for up to three years and is indefinitely renewable. If you wish to remain in the United States beyond your initial period of stay without first departing from the United States, you must seek an extension of your stay. There is no limit to the number of years a person can remain in the United States in TN status, as long as the Canadian or Mexican citizen maintains non-immigrant intent. In addition, there is no annual cap on the number of TN visas that may be issued in any given year

Who is Eligible for TN Visa?

Before applying for TN visa status, there are certain TN visa eligibility requirements that you must meet. The basic visa requirements are the same for both Canadians and Mexicans. However, the visa procedures are distinct and separate, depending on which country you are from. There are different requirements for Canadian and Mexican applicants. A skilled St. Charles TN visa attorney can ensure that you meet the necessary criteria based on your current citizenship.

In general, you may be eligible for TN nonimmigrant status, if:

  • You are a citizen of Mexico or Canada
  • You are hired by a U.S. employer (self-employment is not allowed)
  • You must apply to work in a profession that is included in the NAFTA list of approved occupations
  • You are accepting a job that requires a NAFTA professional
  • You intend to depart the U.S. upon completion of your authorized stay
  • You have the appropriate educational credentials and experience to practice in the profession

What Occupations are on the List of NAFTA Professions?

The list of occupations defines the professionals who can be hired by U.S. employers through the TN visa program. NAFTA lists sixty-three professions available for TN status. Each listed profession is tied to minimum requirements. A reliable St. Charles TN visa lawyer can help ensure that you meet the specified educational and experience requirements for the position you are applying to.

Generally, occupations fall into four categories: professionals, teachers, healthcare workers, and scientists. Most of these positions require at least a bachelor’s degree, and include but are not limited to:

  • Accountants
  • Architects
  • Chemists
  • College teachers
  • Computer Professionals
  • Dentists
  • Engineers
  • Graphic designers
  • Lawyers
  • Management consultants
  • Research physicians
  • Social workers
  • Systems analysts

What are the TN Visa Application Procedures for Canadians?

If you are a Canadian citizen, then you are not required to apply for a TN-1 visa at a U.S. consulate. You may apply for a TN visa at the time you seek admission to the United States. A competent St. Charles immigration attorney can help you determine the necessary supporting documents for your TN-1 visa application.

You must provide the following documents:

  • Proof of Canadian citizenship
  • A job offer letter from a United States employer (including daily job duties, salary, benefits, and employment location)
  • A request for admission under TN status
  • Evidence of education and professional qualifications (including college degrees, memberships, and licenses)

What are the TN Visa Application Procedures for Mexicans?

Before being granted admission to the United States, Mexican nationals must acquire a TN-2 visa from a US embassy or consulate. As part of the visa application process, you will be interviewed by the consular officer regarding your TN-2 visa application. Once approved, you may apply for admission at a United States port of entry. A top-ranking TN visa lawyer in St. Charles, MO can help you prepare the paperwork for your specific visa application.

The following documents must be presented by a Mexican national to the US Embassy in Mexico City or a US consulate to obtain a TN-2 visa:

  • A Mexican passport valid for at least six months
  • Form DS-160 with one passport-style photograph
  • A job offer or letter of employment from a United States employer
  • Proof of ability to meet applicable license requirements
  • Proof of education and professional qualifications

Can a Family Member Accompany You to the United States If You Have a TN Visa?

Spouses and dependents, unmarried minor children under the age of 21 accompanying or following to join TN professionals may apply for Trade Dependent (TD) status. Since it is a dependent visa, the TD visa is only valid for as long as the TN visa holder’s status remains valid as well. A seasoned St. Charles MO TN visa attorney can help you know and identify the process of family immigration in your particular case.

Generally, your family members will need to provide the following:

  • Proof that you are maintaining your nonimmigrant status
  • Proof of parent-child or spousal relationship

If your family members are Mexican citizens, each member must apply for a TD nonimmigrant visa at the U.S consulate. They must also provide proof that you are maintaining your nonimmigrant status.

If your family members are Canadian citizens, they do not need a visa to come with you. They do need to provide:

  • Proof of relationship
  • Proof of Canadian citizenship
  • Proof of maintaining your TN non-immigrant status
  • Photocopies of your admission documents

Call Our Seasoned St. Charles TN Visa Lawyer Now!

TN visa provides an excellent opportunity for U.S. employers to hire professionals from Mexico and Canada under NAFTA. Navigating through the application process can be very daunting and time-consuming.

Since the process can be complex, with different requirements for citizens of Mexico and Canada, it will be beneficial to have an experienced St. Charles TN visa lawyer by your side who can walk you through the process and address any potential challenges you may face.

Gateway Immigration Firm has guided countless Mexican and Canadian citizens through the TN visa process. Our immigration law firm strives to achieve creative solutions for our clients while minimizing the delay and inconvenience often associated with immigration filings. Contact us now and speak with our skilled Missouri immigration attorneys who can help you navigate immigration law.

Let our immigration attorneys help you!

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