TN Visa period of admission extended
After much anticipation, the Bureau of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services or USCIS, has officially increased the initial maximum period of admission for TN Visas to three years from one year. Further, those that want to apply for extensions of their TN Visas can apply for a period of up to three years instead of the previous one year maximum.
Read the Press Release here.For Canadians, this is a huge advantage. In the past, people wishing to work for more than one year in the US, had to resort to H-1B Visas. However, the problem with H-1B visas is that US Immigration imposed a worldwide limit of H-1Bs allowing only 65,000 visas issued every fiscal year as well as the general six-year maximum duration.
Great news for TN Visa applicants
With this new three year TN Visa rule, one need not worry about any annual limitations and there is also no set limit on the number of TN extensions one can apply for provided you can convice an immigration officer your stay in the U.S. will be of a temporary nature.
This is great news for TN Visa applicants!
Fadi Minawi,
US Immigration Counsel
Any information provided here does not constitute legal advice and is intended for general information only. Should you require legal advise, you are encouraged to contact a lawyer directly. All blog postings are public and are not subject to solicitor/client confidentially
US Employers and Canadian applicants will really benefit from the three year TN Visa. It would really be great if the USCIS would consider an adjustment of status to US Permanent Residence but that may be wishful thinking! But I am glad that they extended the duration of TN Visas for our clients.
I have a nonprofit school in US and I am a US citizen. I want to open such a school in Canada under NAFTA. I’m not only an administrator, but also a professional teacher with 35 years of experience. I am going to teach skilled workers, temporary work permit holders and refuges of my origin from the church. Our native language, culture, religion and history are going to be taught there to help new immigrant find their comfort zone.
TFWU officers told me to go for LMO opinion. When I disagreed, they advised I faxed all my documents to their office to get their opinion. I suspect I will be denied just because I dared to argue. Do I have to look for an attorney to “rescue” me?
Thank you.
Hello
You may be able to apply for a work permit under NAFTA as an intracompany transfer which is LMO exempt. You can call our office for a consultation concerning your situation.
Hi I am a pharmacist and would like to go work in the U.S. again with a TN visa. If I have a 3 year TN visa and get married to a girl down there what happens to my status? Thanks.
Hello
You still remain om TN status provided your TN visa is still valid. However, once you are married to a US citizen, you may find difficult to convince a CBP officer that you have temporary intent to work in the US. Your wife may consider sponsoring your for Permanent Residence but your case has to be managed properly given your TN status.