Citizens of Mexico who qualify for TN status are required to apply for a TN visa at a U.S. Consulate prior to entering the U.S. as a TN professional. The following steps should be followed:
Department Contacts OIS
The hiring department must contact OIS to determine if the individual and position are eligible for TN status. If eligible, the department will need to submit a request to OIS through the International Services Portal.
OIS Prepares a TN Visa Application Packet for the TN Professional
Review the prospective employee's eligibility for entry into TN status
Facilitate preparation of an appropriate TN employment letter and additional supporting materials
Provide departments and employees guidance on requirements for initial and subsequent re-entry in TN status
Advise employees on the benefits and restrictions attached to TN status
Employee Applies for TN Visa at a U.S. Consulate
Upon receiving the TN Visa Application materials from the OIS, the employee applies for a TN visa at a U.S. Consulate. The employee may enter the U.S. only after receiving a TN visa and granted entry by Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Employee Requests TN Status at a U.S. Port of Entry
The employee arrives at a U.S. port of entry, presents the TN visa along with supporting materials, and requests TN status. TN status is granted by a U.S. CBP officer.
Notify OIS of Arrival
Following arrival in the U.S., the employee should email OIS and provide a copy of their TN visa stamp and their Form I-94 admission record showing that they were admitted into the U.S. in TN status.
IMPORTANT
To initiate TN-2 services for an employee, contact OIS as soon as a sponsorship need is identified and at least 60 days prior to the start of the TN-2 employment.
Extending TN-2 Status
In most cases, a Mexican TN visa holder can extend TN status following the same procedures outlined above.
