TN Visa / NAFTA Visa

 

The TN visa (“Trade National” visa, or NAFTA visa) is a work visa for Mexican and Canadian citizens.

 The TN visa is a non-immigrant visa which is usually granted for one year. You may apply to extend your visa for additional time.

 While Canadian citizens do not have to request a visa, Mexican citizens must request the visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate.

 The required fees to request the visa are similar to those required for the F-1 visa.

 Some F-1 and F-3 students at UTEP will apply for the TN visa right after graduation. This is a good option if you are not eligible for OPT. Other students do OPT first and then apply for the TN visa.

The TN visa is a nice opportunity for Mexican or Canadian students who apply for the H-1b work visa while on OPT and who are not approved. The TN visa allows those people to continue working legally and to reapply the next year for the H-1b visa.

 

Other TN Visa Information

You are allowed to study in the U.S. on a part-time basis (“incidental to your status”) while you have the TN visa.

Mexican citizens may continue to apply and renew the PASE certification (in-state tuition waiver) while on the TN visa.

 

To be eligible for the TN visa, you must:

• Be a Mexican or Canadian citizen
• Meet the minimum education and work experience requirements
• Have a job offer
• Your job must be related to one of the NAFTA visa job categories

 

For more information on the TN visa, please click here: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1274.html.

 

Please note: OIP staff are not formally trained in the TN / NAFTA visa category.

 

Office of International Programs
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