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TN:
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
NAFTA is a treaty between Mexico, Canada & the U.S.
to facilitate trade & business deals among member
nations. The treaty allows certain nonimmigrant &
special visa classification for professionals and citizens
of Mexico or Canada that enter the U.S. to engage in
professional employment. Generally NAFTA provides for
business entries in 5 categories: B-1, E-1, H-1, L-1
& TN status.
Under NAFTA, Canadian citizens do not need visas prior to
U.S. entry, with the exception of the E visa. Visitors &
TN workers may be issued entry without
prior adjudication or application. H-1B
workers just present approval notices with supporting
documentation and then are admitted without a visa. L-1
applicants may be adjudicated directly at qualifying ports
of entry. E visa holders must still
apply for the visa at the appropriate consulate.
NAFTA
created the TN classification. To apply
Canadian citizens must come to the U.S. to work in a
professional occupation listed in the NAFTA designated
schedule.
The TN classification is granted in one
year increments only and applications are made at the border
inspection point in advance or usually on the day of
entry.
TN qualifying professions are extensive,
but are limited to the scheduled occupations. With
exceptions, professions require a baccalaureate degree as an
entry-level requirement. If a baccalaureate is required,
experience cannot be substituted. In some professions,
alternative criteria to a bachelor's is listed. For
others, experience and a degree are required.
Dependents:
Spouses and unmarried children under 21 qualify for
dependent status for the same period of time. They are
issued TD status. Dependents may not work
in the U.S. but may attend school. |
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