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For foreign professionals who wish to work in the United States, several types of visas are available. One such visa is the Trade NAFTA (TN) visa, which is specifically meant for Canadian and Mexican citizens working in professional occupations under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has since replaced the NAFTA. However, the TN visa program remains in effect for Canadian and Mexican citizens under the USMCA.
A TN visa application has several documentary requirements. The principal document is the TN visa letter. This blog explains what a TN visa letter is and how to write it. We also provide a TN visa letter example and some useful tips on preparing a successful application.
The TN visa letter, or TN visa support letter, is an essential part of a TN visa application. It provides a detailed description of the job the applicant is being hired for, their qualifications, and the reasons they are eligible for the TN visa.
The applicant’s prospective employer drafts this letter. It should be presented by the applicant when applying for a TN visa at a U.S. port of entry, consulate, or embassy.
The TN visa Letter not only demonstrates that the applicant is qualified for the TN visa but also indicates that the employer has a thorough understanding of the role and its compliance with NAFTA regulations. The letter can significantly influence the approval of a TN visa application, so careful attention should be paid to its content and presentation.
A TN visa letter must be printed on the U.S. company or organization’s official letterhead. It should be an original document signed by an authorized representative of the prospective U.S. employer. This could be the applicant’s direct supervisor, a member of the applicant’s department, or someone in HR. It is essential that the signatory:
A TN visa support letter must include the following crucial pieces of information.
The letter should include the following details:
Name and address of the employer
Contact information, such as phone number and email address
When writing a TN visa letter, the purpose of the letter, which is to request TN non-immigrant status, must be clearly indicated in the first paragraph.
The employer should provide a description of the job offer, highlighting the following:
If applicable, request the maximum TN visa validity of three years.
The TN visa letter should outline the specific qualifications required for the position offered, including:
The employer must state the NAFTA professional occupation category for which the employee qualifies, as this determines the eligibility for a TN visa. There are more than 60 professional occupations listed under NAFTA. Some examples are:
You can find the complete list in Appendix 1603.D.1: Professionals of the NAFTA.
The TN visa letter should include a statement by the employer confirming that the applicant and the job offer comply with all the requirements of the TN visa classification.
The following are some tips on writing a TN visa support letter.
The employer should provide as much detail as possible about the job offer and the employee’s qualifications. Doing so will help the visa adjudicator understand how the applicant’s qualifications fit the specific NAFTA occupation category.
To ensure easy comprehension by the visa adjudicator, use simple, straightforward language without unnecessary jargon. This will help to avoid misunderstandings or confusion about the essence of the job offer and the applicant’s eligibility.
It’s essential to thoroughly review TN visa letters for consistency with other application documents, such as the applicant’s resume and supporting degree certifications. Any inconsistencies or discrepancies might raise concerns and lead to further scrutiny or denial of the application.
Any errors or typos in the letter may negatively impact the impression made on the visa adjudicator. Be sure to proofread the letter carefully and correct any mistakes before submitting it.
Organizations can reference the TN visa letter example below when writing one for a future employee from Canada or Mexico. However, while this sample TN visa letter is helpful, it is still best to consult an immigration lawyer with experience in the TN visa application process. At Farmer Law, we will ensure that the letter is composed correctly, provide guidance and individual case assessment as well as answer any questions either party may have.
The following is a TN visa sample letter for organizations wishing to hire Mexican or Canadian citizens. Simply fill in the template fields of the TN visa letter sample with the appropriate information.
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing this letter to formally seek TN non-immigrant status for [employee’s name] for the position of [job title] at [company name]. Under TN status, [employee’s name] will be employed on a [full-time/part-time] basis from [start date] to [end date].
[Employee’s name] will work at [company name]’s office located at [company address]. The annual salary for this position is [salary], and [employee’s name] may be eligible for additional benefits [provide details, if applicable].
The role for which we are employing [employee’s name] aligns with the professional occupations specified in 8 CFR 214.6, Appendix 1603.D1 under the NAFTA/USMCA agreement.
[Employee’s name] possesses the necessary qualifications for the role, including [details of education, certifications, licenses, and work experience]. Additionally, if applicable, [employee’s name] has prior experience working in the U.S. from [start date] to [end date], holding [previous visa status].
The tasks that [employee’s name] will undertake in this role include [list tasks].
We firmly believe that the position we are seeking TN designation for aligns seamlessly with NAFTA/USMCA provisions, and [employee’s name]’s qualifications make them an excellent candidate. We appreciate your consideration of our request for a TN visa for [employee’s name].
Should you require further information, please contact me directly.
Sincerely,
[Company Representative’s Name]
[ Position]
[Company Name]
In summary, organizations can optimize the chances of their hires’ successful TN visa approval by providing a detailed job offer, listing the employee’s qualifications, and ensuring consistency with other application documents.
Farmer Law is a leading business immigration law firm offering comprehensive solutions for organizations, job seekers, and families. To learn more or book a consultation, contact us today.
We offer world class communication and responsiveness to all of our clients and our comprehensive approach can simplify even the most complicated of visa programs.
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