TN Visa - The North America Free Trade Act (NAFTA)

The TN visa classification is for temporary workers in a specialty occupations.
Canadians and Mexicans citizens may be eligible to work in the United States as NAFTA professionals under the following conditions:

• Applicant is a citizen of Canada or Mexico;
• Profession is on the USMCA (TN) occupation listt;
• Position in the United States requires a NAFTA professional;
• Applicant will work in a prearranged full-time or part-time job for an employer (see Required Documentation). Self-employment is not permitted;
• The applicant must meet the specific education, experience, and/or licensing requirements for the applicable USMCA profession.
• Requirements for Mexicans and Canadian citizens are different. Please click here for more information.
• The initial TN period of stay is up to three (3) years. The I-94 record is typically issued for three (3) years.
• A visa stamp is not required for Canadian citizens entering the United States in TN (USMCA professional) status.
• Mexican citizens are required to obtain a TN visa stamp prior to entry into the United States.
• It is the responsibility of both the department and the employee to notify HR of any changes to the employee’s job title or job duties.
• The applicant/employee is responsible for completing and submitting Form DS-160 online, if applicable. The applicant/employee is responsible for all visa related fees.

It is necessary to contact HR Immigration team every time you will be renewing the TN status.

All employment-based petitions filed on behalf of The University of Texas at El Paso must be submitted by an approved Immigration attorney contracted through UTEP.

Employee resposibility- University suPPORT LETTER

• Employee Covers all fees for related to TN VISA.
• $160 to $200 DS-160 fee
• $30 dollar fee for I-94
• Foreign passport fee varies per country

Employee will be responsible to pay for all fees associated to the TN if he/she applies on his/her own with the University support letter. 

Attorneys TN preparation fees:

Consular TN visa application in Mexico

• Legal Fees: $2,250

The associated fees for an USMCA TN Filing at the Port of Entry for Canadian citizens are as follows:

• TN USMCA Professional (Canada – Port of Entry) Legal Fee: $2,000

TN amendment/extension with USCIS

• Legal Fees: $2,500

• Government Filing Fees: $510

It is the responsibility for the TN visa holder to maintain legal non-immigrant status at all times while present in the U.S.  Please find below a few conditions that are part of status maintenance:

• Maintain a valid passport at all times
• Work only for the employer(s) listed on TN visa.
• Notify HR Immigration immediately of any potential changes to the conditions of your employment BEFORE the change occurs. This includes, but is not limited to, a significant change in your compensation package, changes in your job title, academic department, or day-to-day employment activities, changes in city of employment, changes in number of hours, and/or any leave of absence.
• It is your responsibility to ensure that the processing for any extension(s) of your TN status is started in a timely manner. You are strongly urged to start the process 3-4 months in advance of your current TN expiration date.
• Keep a valid unexpired I-94 at all times.