Understanding the TN Visa Application Process: Fees and Costs for Employers
Blog Understanding the TN Visa Application Process: Fees and Costs for Employers As an employer, navigating the intricacies of immigration…
As an employer in the United States, it’s essential to understand the process and requirements of renewing a TN visa for your Canadian or Mexican employees. This nonimmigrant visa, part of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), allows professionals from Canada and Mexico to contribute their skills to the U.S. workforce. Here’s everything you need to know about the TN visa renewal process.
The TN visa is designed to strengthen economic relations between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico by allowing skilled professionals to work in the U.S. To qualify, the employee must be a citizen of Canada or Mexico, have a prearranged full-time or part-time job with a U.S. employer, and possess the qualifications of the profession.
TN visa renewals occur every three years. However, we don’t recommend waiting until that time is up. Employers should aim to start the renewal process well in advance of the expiration date, preferably up to six months before the visa’s expiration date.
As an employer, you play a vital role in the TN visa process. You will need to provide several documents, including:
It’s crucial to ensure that all information provided is accurate and up-to-date to avoid unnecessary delays.
The TN visa renewal process can be conducted either through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) while the employee is in the U.S. or at the border or airport when reentering the U.S. after a visit to Canada or Mexico. If renewing within the U.S., the employee will need to file Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker.
During the review process, USCIS will evaluate whether the employee continues to meet the requirements for the TN visa. They will assess the employer’s support letter, the proof of the employee’s professional qualifications, and evidence of ongoing business operations.
The processing time for a TN visa renewal process can vary depending on several factors, including the location where the application was filed and the current workload of USCIS. Generally, it can take anywhere from two to six months for USCIS to process a TN visa renewal application filed within the U.S.
There are several potential issues that could arise during the TN visa renewal process. For instance, USCIS may request additional evidence if they find any gaps or discrepancies in the application. As such, it’s important to provide complete and accurate information from the outset. Utilizing an immigration attorney can help to ensure there are no gaps prior to submitting the visa renewal.
If there have been any significant changes in the employee’s job duties or your company’s structure since the last approval, USCIS may question whether the employee still qualifies for the TN visa. In such cases, it would be beneficial to consult with an immigration attorney to clarify the situation and identify potential steps forward.
Understanding potential scenarios that may arise during the TN visa renewal process can help employers better navigate this journey. Here are some situations you might encounter:
If your employee’s job duties have significantly changed since their original application or last renewal, it may affect their TN visa status. USCIS assesses eligibility based on the job duties outlined in the employer’s support letter. If the nature of the job has shifted substantially, you need to ensure that the role still falls under the NAFTA professional categories. Consulting with an immigration attorney can provide clarity and guidance on how to proceed.
Promoting an employee can potentially impact their TN visa status. This is particularly true if the new position falls under a different NAFTA category or requires a different set of qualifications. In such instances, it’s crucial to consult with an immigration attorney to understand how this change might affect your employee’s TN status and what steps you should take.
Significant changes in your company’s structure, such as mergers, acquisitions, or reorganizations, could potentially affect your employee’s TN visa status. If your company has undergone such changes, you should notify USCIS and possibly file a new TN visa application, depending on the circumstances.
If your employee’s employment is terminated before the end of their TN visa validity, they typically have a grace period of up to 60 days (or until the expiration of the visa, whichever is shorter). During this time, they can change their status, find new employment, or depart the U.S. As an employer, promptly communicating any changes in your employee’s employment status to USCIS is crucial to the success of your renewal.
As an employer, you may want to keep track of the renewal application’s progress. USCIS allows you to check the status of the application online using the receipt number provided when the application was filed. Regularly checking the status can help you stay informed about the process and plan accordingly.
The denial of a TN visa renewal can be disruptive for both the employer and the employee. Here is a TN visa checklist to help avoid this outcome:
As an employer, your role in the TN visa renewal process is crucial. By understanding the TN visa’s requirements, the renewal process, potential scenarios, and how to avoid common pitfalls, you can help ensure a smooth journey for your employees. If you’re looking for help with renewing your TN visas, Contact Farmer Law today and speak with one of our expert immigration experts.
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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Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.
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