TN Sponsorship

Departments may wish to hire or retain faculty and highly specialized scientific staff who are non-immigrants who are eligible for TN (Trade National) visa status.

The TN Visa

"The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) created special economic and trade relationships for the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The TN nonimmigrant classification permits qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to seek temporary entry into the United States to engage in business activities at a professional level." (USCIS)

Permanent residents of Canada or Mexico are not eligible for the TN visa. Only citizens of Canada or Mexico qualify.

TN status may be granted for an initial period of up to three years and may be extended indefinitely in three-year increments.

TN Sponsorship

Departments may wish to hire or retain faculty and highly specialized scientific staff who are non-immigrants who are eligible for TN visa status. Departments should complete a TN request in Sunapsis so the OIS can determine whether TN eligibility criteria are met. Submitting TN Requests 

Acquiring TN status

If eligible, OIS will provide a sample TN letter to the requesting department for completion. The letter gets completed, printed on University letterhead, and signed by the department chair or supervisor of the TN employee. The original letter should be provided to the TN employee along with the Instructions to TN employees (pdf). The instructions provide guidance on what documents the TN employee will need to apply for a TN visa (Mexican citizens only) and/or seek admission into the United States in TN status.

For TN employees outside the United States, they will acquire TN status at the border. For those currently in the United States, either as TN employees or another non-immigrant status, they may acquire/extend TN status by traveling outside the United States and seeking readmission at the border. For those currently in the United States, TN status also may be acquired or extended by filing Form I-129 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Submitting TN requests ▾

Employees with Mexican or Canadian citizenship may be eligible for a TN work visa. Our office will need to review the TN Employee Request e-forms to advise further.

Resource

TN Employee Department Request

Required Uploads:

  • Detailed job description
  • CV/Resume of the (Prospective) Employee
  • Approved Appointment Letter or Offer Letter

TN Employee Questionnaire

OIS needs to collect a small amount of information from the employee. Click on the TN Employee Questionnaire, click on "GIVE THE CLIENT ACCESS TO COMPELTE THIS SECTION" and put in the (prospective) employee's email address.