New I-129 Form for Mail-in TN Visas Required 05/20/19

USCIS, the agency that adjudicates I-129 (mail-in) petitions for TN visa status, has revised form I-129. The new version of the I-129 form (the 01/31/19 edition) must be used starting 05/20/19. Canadian citizens can apply for TN visa status in advance by filing form I-129 with USCIS when outside of the U.S. Canadian and Mexican citizens can use form I-129 to change to TN visa status, to change TN visa employers, or to extend their TN visa status when currently within the U.S. under lawful immigration status.

USCIS also recently revised form I-539, which is used by a TN visa worker’s family to change to TD visa status or to extend their TD visa status when currently within the U.S. under lawful immigration status. The new I-539 form is required starting 03/22/19. Two big changes with the new I-539 form are (1) USCIS now requires that co-applicants, e.g. children, must now complete their own separate form - an I-539A form; and (2) every applicant must attend and pay $85 for a biometrics appointment.