TN Visa Renewal: What You Need To Know

The TN visa is a powerful non-immigrant visa classification available to citizens of Canada and Mexico. With a TN visa, you can live and work in the USA for extended periods of time.

The TN visa can be renewed or extended past its initial validity period of three (3) years. For Mexican citizens, a standard option is to extend with USCIS, or renew at a consulate. For Canadian citizens, the USCIS extension option is available, but it’s also possible to renew directly at a port of entry.

In this guide, I will go over some important information you need to know about renewing your TN visa.

If you have any questions about the TN visa or if you need help with your TN visa application, please feel free to call, text, or WhatsApp message us at +1-818-741-1117. You may also request a free consultation by clicking this link.

1. What is the TN Visa?

The TN Visa is a non-immigrant visa classification available to citizens of Canada and Mexico. With a TN Visa, you can live and work in the United States for extended periods of time. The TN classification permits you to work in the USA for up to 3 years initially, and can be extended over and over without limit.

To qualify for a TN visa, you must work in the USA in one of the professions mandated by NAFTA. You must also satisfy the educational standards and credentials required for the profession you will work in.

TN stands for Trade NAFTA. The TN visa is based on the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Treaty.

With a TN visa, your spouse and children are eligible for TD status. With TD status your spouse and children cannot work but they can go to school.

For a more in-depth guide on the TN visa as a whole, please see my article here.

Summary:

• The TN visa is for citizens of Canada and Mexico

• With a TN visa, you can work in a profession listed on the TN Occupation List. You must meet the education and experience requirements of that profession.

• The TN gives you up to 3 years of status in the United States, and can be extended over and over with no limit.

2. How do I Renew the TN Visa?

i. Things to Consider

A TN renewal in many ways will resemble a new application for the visa. You must include sufficient evidence that you will maintain your status for the additional period. Evidence of your Canadian or Mexican citizenship, an employment contract, a company support letter, and other supporting documents will need to be included in your renewal.

How you choose to approach your TN renewal will depend on your situation. In certain cases, one may apply through the mail by filing an extension of status with USCIS (if the requirements are met). Canadian citizens have the additional option of applying at the border with Customs and Border Protection. Mexican citizens can apply at a U.S. consulate if they so choose.

ii. Applying through Mail – Extension of Status (USCIS)

An extension of status is a petition filed with USCIS to extend your non-immigrant status. To do this, the US employer will need to file a Form I-129 through USCIS on behalf of the TN worker. Note that the US employer is the petitioner and the TN worker is the beneficiary. In addition to the I-129, the US employer must also complete the TN supplement to the I-129. The employer must also include a support letter and various other documents with the forms.

If any dependents are applying for an extension of their TD status, an I-539 form should also be filed with the petition.

It’s important that you plan your extension of status carefully. If you travel outside the US while your I-129 is pending, it could result in your petition being abandoned. If you file for an extension and have certain time constraints, you may wish to opt for premium processing. This allows for USCIS to issue a response to your petition within 15 days.

iii. Border/Consular Renewal

If you’re a Canadian citizen, you have the option of applying for a TN renewal at a port of entry. As stated, this process will be similar to how an initial application is handled. A $50 fee is required when applying at a port of entry, and $56 if crossing the border by vehicle. At the port of entry, a Customs and Border Protection officer will analyze your evidence. The officer will likely ask questions regarding your planned job duties, professional background, etc. If you satisfy the TN requirements and pass the interview, they will admit you into the US and grant you TN classification.

Mexican citizens, while not able to apply at the border or a port of entry, can apply for a TN renewal at a US consulate. At the visa interview, you will likely be asked questions about your planned job duties in the United States, your qualifications, and other related questions. Once you are approved, you will be issued a TN visa.

3. Conclusion

We’ve now discussed some possible ways to extend your TN status or renew your TN visa.

If you have any questions about the TN visa, or if you would like help getting or renewing your TN visa, please feel free to call, text, or WhatsApp message us at +1-818-741-1117. You may also request a free consultation by clicking this link.