TN Visa Under New Trade Agreement: What You Need to Know
The TN visa, which stands for Trade NAFTA, is a non-immigrant visa category that allows citizens of Canada and Mexico to work in the United States in certain professional occupations. However, with the implementation of the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced NAFTA, there are some key changes to the TN visa program that citizens of both countries need to be aware of.
The USMCA, which came into effect on July 1, 2020, includes provisions that affect the TN visa program. Some of the most significant changes include the following:
1. New Professional Occupations
The USMCA adds new professional occupations to the list of eligible professions for TN visa holders. This means that citizens of Canada and Mexico who work in these professions can now apply for a TN visa to work in the United States. The new professions added include:
– Graphic Designer
– Technical Writer
– Interior Designer
– Landscape Architect
– Urban Planner
2. Increased Oversight and Enforcement
Under the USMCA, there will be increased oversight and enforcement of the TN visa program. This means that both Canadian and Mexican citizens who apply for TN visas will face stricter scrutiny to ensure that they meet the requirements of the program. In addition, there will be more resources allocated to investigating and prosecuting any abuses or violations of the program.
3. Longer Visa Validity Period
The USMCA extends the validity period of TN visas for Canadian citizens from one year to three years. This means that Canadians who are approved for a TN visa can now work in the United States for up to three years without having to renew their visas. The validity period for Mexican citizens remains the same at one year.
4. More Flexibility for Dependents
Under the USMCA, dependents of TN visa holders will have more flexibility in terms of their ability to work in the United States. Dependents will now be able to apply for work authorization, which will allow them to work in any field while they are in the United States. This is a significant change from the previous policy, which only allowed dependents to work in certain fields.
It is important to note that while the USMCA has made changes to the TN visa program, the basic requirements for eligibility have not changed. Canadian and Mexican citizens who wish to apply for a TN visa must still meet the educational and professional requirements for their chosen field, and must have a job offer from a U.S. employer.
In conclusion, the USMCA has made some important changes to the TN visa program that citizens of Canada and Mexico need to be aware of. The addition of new professions, increased oversight and enforcement, longer visa validity periods, and more flexibility for dependents are all significant changes that will affect how the program is administered. As always, it is important to consult with an experienced immigration attorney if you have any questions or need assistance with the TN visa application process.