A. Benefits of TN-1 status for Canadian nationals:
1. PERMISSION TO WORK IN THE UNITED STATES: TN status allows professional workers to enter the United States and work in a professional capacity.
2. INDEFINITE RENEWAL: Unlike H-1B status, which usually has a limitation of six years, an alien can maintain TN status indefinitely. TN status is granted for a period of up to three years depending on the employer's need and can be renewed for an additional year. There is no limitation on how many times TN status may be renewed.
3. RAPID PROCESSING TIME: Unlike other non-immigrant categories, an application for TN status may be made at the border with a decision being rendered on the day the application is made. There is no long wait for processing after submitting the non-immigrant petition to the USCIS (Formerly INS) in the U.S. by mail, as is the case with an H-1B petition.
4. SPEICIAL TD STATUS AFFORDED TO DEPENDENTS: Dependents of the TN-1 petitioner may apply for a special TD status and accompany the principle petitioner for the duration of his stay in the U.S.
5. NO NEED FOR A VISA: TN-1 petitioners can come to the U.S. to work in their profession without having to go through consular processing to obtain a visa.
6. LOW APPLICATION FEE: A TN-1 applicant pays a $50 application fee if he applies at the border or a
$110 application fee if he applies in the U.S. Generally, an H-1B petition
requires a combination of fees:
(1) $320: base filing fee
(2) $500: fraud prevention and detection fee
(3) $750: additional fee if the petitioner employs no more than 25 full-time
equivalent employees in the United States; ($1,500 if the petitioner employs
more than 25)
(4) $1,800: premium processing fee (if premium processing is chosen)
7. NO QUOTA: Unlike H-1B applicants, TN applicants are not subject to a quota.
B. Benefits of a TN-2 visa for Mexican professionals
1. TO WORK IN THE UNITED STATES: TN status allows professional workers to enter the United States and work in a professional capacity.
2. INDEFINITE RENEWAL: Unlike H status which usually has a limitation of six years, an alien can maintain TN status indefinitely. TN status is granted for a period of up to three years depending on the employer's need and can be renewed for an additional year. There is no limitation on how many times TN status can be renewed.
3. SPEICIAL TD STATUS AFFORDED TO DEPENDENTS: Dependents of the TN-1 petitioner may apply for a special TD status and accompany the principle petitioner for the duration of his stay in the U.S.
4. LOW APPLICATION FEE: The TN-2 applicant pays a $110 application fee as opposed to $1,110 in application fees for H-1B status.
5. NO QUOTA: Unlike H-1B applicants, TN applicants are not subject to a quota
For more information on the TN category, please click one of the
following links:
Description
Requirements for a TN status
The detailed list of approved professions
for TN status
Application procedure
Benefits of TN status
Limitation of TN status
Renewal TN status
Change of status to TN
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
about TN
PERM-based Green Cards: A Timing Strategy for TN Visa Holder |
