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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.
We aim for clear, responsive communication with our clients and explain each step of the visa process.
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:
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.
Job Offer Details
The employer should provide a description of the job offer, highlighting the following:
If applicable, request the maximum TN visa validity of three years.
Qualifications
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.
Please fill out this quick form to access Farmer Law PC’s TN Visa sample letter.
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.
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The attorneys at Farmer Law PC help businesses, employers and individuals with employment-based, investor and family-based immigration. For agricultural and seasonal employers, we handle H-2A and H-2B applications and help respond to DOL audits, Wage and Hour investigations and Notices of Deficiency.
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